Instructions for Early Days of Retirement

Photo of lighted firewoods in dark place

Come inside. Quit the crusade
on squirrels. We have no use

for those berries anyway. Let me
brush aside stubborn snow

stuck to the shoulder pads
of your wool coat. We’ll hang it

over the hearth, burn whatever lived
through absolution with the absolute

truth: the mind can’t keep spinning
unless first you recognize it’s spent.

 

Poem by Natalie Eckl

Originally from Rochester, NY, Natalie Eckl now lives in Washington, DC where she has recently completed her undergraduate degree in English and creative writing at George Washington University. Her poetry has been accepted by Black Fox Literary Magazine and Five on the Fifth which will both be published in the next few months.