Claire Scott’s most recent poem to appear here was “Siren Song” (January 2019).

Tipping Point
By Claire Scott

pay PG&E, call Comcast, buy shoelaces
speed walk around the block
floss before bed

photos of Machu Picchu
Inca Trail blistered feet sacred stairs
a stone that holds the sun in place

           pilates at ten with drill sergeant Lamont
                              tea with Nancy who is thrilled with Nancy
                                        thinning hair fluffed at three

Aida in the Coliseum, lovers sealed forever
Trevi Fountain, coins that promise marriage
bruschetta, baked olives, licked fingers

           the past calls
                              the present
                                        not so much