how to move

packing with reference to the five stages of grief

i. Denial

ignore the boxes
in piles behind the couch—
there are eighteen hours
left of our favorite show
before we pack the television.

ii. Anger

throw an empty box
at his head—
why do we have
so much stuff?
red tinges the world

iii. Bargaining

promise the world,
complete with chocolate fudge
and blueberry pie
served piping hot
even though blueberries
are his favorite, not mine—
promise everything,
if we can take a little break

iv. Depression

let boxes rise up
surrounding us on all sides
stacked ten high
and looming—
if I see another roll
of packing tape,
the gloom will be too much

v. Acceptance

pack the last box
not caring
that the only things left
in the apartment
are unnecessary papers
and junk—
we’ll leave in the morning
too tired to be excited
but ready

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