Too Many

500,000

You are an ominous number. I look at you there, silent and immense.
All those zeroes. I look upon you as if you are on a hill in a cold twilight breeze.
I shiver as I gaze. You have become too many.

So, I try to think of you another way.

Would you come in?
Here is some warm tea, please take the comfortable chair.
There is music.

And when each of you, by turn, has settled in I will say:
I know there have been many in your life but would you please tell me
one moment you will never forget.

May I glimpse what only you have known?

Some of you will be brief, some even too overcome to speak.

Others, unable to contain their words.

Let us say an average of a half hour or so for our visit,
then a simple farewell as you finish your tea.

We will need patience. This will only take us THIRTY YEARS.

You have become too many.

Now, surrounded by your memories
I come to know,
as those who will always hold you dear,
One is too many.

Carlo Busby
02/21/2021