Risk-taking behaviors

Growing up, we slept with our windows open
To catch the ocean breezes.
Our noses often wrinkled,
With the sharp tang of marsh and sound.

I ran around naked at Lucy Baird’s
Ninth birthday party.
Her whole family was there,
Laughing hysterically, as I weaved in and out of the crowd.

When we were freshmen
Les and I changed our clothes,
Blinds open,
For all of 9th East to see.

I don’t rip up credit card offers,
Do post on internet message boards,
Occasionally leave the car door unlocked,
And participate in other risky behaviors:
Using a metal spatula on a nonstick pan,
Loading the dishwasher with unrinsed dishes,
Cutting meat on the green cutting board,
Not washing my hands after using the bathroom.

Someone might steal my car,
And I might get food poisoning,
But at least I feel like I’m living my life,
Not drowning in fear
Of what might happen.

--originally published 1/11/06