"Baking Until I'm Done" by Manuela

It wasn’t like this

when I was growing up.

It was strong and limber

when the green in my limbs

were still growing

It wasn’t always old and creaky

when I was still exploring myself

when all my love was self defeating.

It wasn’t enlightened by the awareness

of the brevity

of our delicate stay here

I wanted, so much to perish prematurely

so I threw much of it to the ether

as if i could breathe it in another dimension

Only after years of swaggering and staggering

only after spitting venom at the world

and having it spit contagion back

did a precious spark

give hark to my ear

Now, embracing the moments I have left

I sometimes reflect with remorse and regret.