and oh they growed up so fast

i looked at my parents tonight
and did not see the superheros of my childhood
or the demons of my teenage years.
i saw a man, in his forties, overworked,
tired, concerned.
a woman, early fifties, worn down,
frustrated.
i saw friends,
my first friends,
who have given themselves
to me, progeny,
and i love them,
human kind,
brother, sister.


i categorize my belongings in mind.
this i will take,
this i will leave behind.
value is lost and gained
by portability,
functionality.
two suitcases and a purse
don't carry much baggage.