Numbers

Some numbers mean a lot
And some mean nothing much
And others merely represent
Abstract things and thoughts.

Some numbers are sweet
Like the two of us
Or the three servings of sauce
Or the eleven o'clock deadline
That keeps getting extended
Or the 6.30 - 7 a.m. wake up call
Or a single pink candle
Two days past its due date
For a new year, all our own.

Some numbers are hopeful
Like a hundred years
Of a beautiful love
That is and was and always will be
Meant to be.

Some numbers are cruel,
Like the ones that stop you from eating
Or the limits imposed upon us
To keep our hearts from beating.

Some numbers are fearful,
Like the hundred years
Until a future,
Although that's come down
To ninety-seven or maybe even ninety, now.

Some numbers are powerful
While others seek to control you
And these should be avoided
Or we'll lose you to forty two.

But all numbers -
Whether big or beautiful,
Whether small or scary
Whether high or hip of hairy -

All numbers are meaningless alone -
A set of squiggles without real form -
(As am I, if we're honest)
Without meaning and you