Bildungsroman

My father said, do what you love, and the money will follow.
Mrs. Ramsay added, but you’ll have to be up with the lark.
My mother said, I had children too early.
We all make our choices, my sister said.
My rabbi said, repeat after me, I am my beloved’s
and my beloved is mine.
A crow on the powerline imitated the call of another bird.
My therapist said, tell me what makes you angry.
Canceling our trip, my friend said, I hope you’ll understand some day
that it’s a decision I need to make.
The lack of moon out my window said the moon
was consorting with the sun.
Acknowledge those who’ve played a role in your life,
my sign reading said, even if your history is strained,
they have shaped who you are.
My mother said, was it really that bad?
My grandfather after whom I was named said,
when you’re on wheels, you’re never lost.
Stop trying to figure it out, my handwriting said,
let it reveal itself.
When people cried needlessly my great grandmother was known
to have said, crying with a loaf of bread under their arms.
The obituary said my father said, I’m in a hurry to get well.
I still grieve but I don’t dwell on it, my teacher said, there’s no point.
My baby brother said, it was harder for you.
Naked before the mirror, my body said, you have not used me enough.
It never feels like the right time, my friend said.
My doctor said, there’s plenty of time, I would tell you.
Declare yourself! my grandmother said.