one can reach midlife
on crutches
clutching receipts
for debts paid, unpaid
halfway in years
but like a gas gauge 
far past half a tank
past marital strife
a daughter on her way out
professional aspirations
an old and dog-eared text
few and used friends
fences unmended
bridges crossed and burned
neglected wardrobe
a lawn of weeds
a paunch of putty
a hairline that recedes
sagging sexuality
in libidinal limbo
no sirens sounding
just bentbacked maids
pulling and pulling
a moment's relief