In Spite; Under The Circumstances by Jeffrey Zable

IN SPITE

While the false teeth chatter in the man’s tired mouth. . .

Oh, what a world! the old woman says to no one in particular, 

lugging herself through the crowd.

Oh, how I wish I could start over again in a different corner

of the world in a different century! the bald-headed man 

with blurry eyes says to no one as well.

And the day progresses in spite of what anyone thinks, 

says, or does, while some are being born and some have died 

through no fault of their own, while others have brought it

upon themselves—thinks one casual observer who’s waiting 

for a loan to come through to pay for a house in the suburbs. . .

UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES

Looking through the big window

I saw my life pass before me,

and my first thought was to break the glass

and chase after it,

but realizing that I’d probably cut myself beyond repair

I just sat there and watched until it was no longer in view.

I tilted my head back, closed my eyes,

and let the sun warm my face,

which gave me a little comfort

under the circumstances. . .