other people's parties

seven weddings
parties
dinners
i've made it to one this year.

lately, all you see
are pictures
of people you know
dressed for halloween.
they're either drunk
or else goofy and play-hardy.
other peoples parties
i'm on the clock for,
it's inopportune:
i could lose my job,
so i've lost my life instead.

ten missed calls
three voicemails
and a text: "are you living?"
speak up and
let the man know
you've rolled over
but you won't play dead.
i'm taking back
seeing the sun,
a sweet disposition,
credible dreams,
and these best years
in the late summer of life.
maybe i'll be
in the next group shot
at other people's parties.