Fear equals fear plus
the square root of consequences
divided by time alone.
That’s before factoring in
imaginary numbers
for the places you didn’t go
when younger, able
to foxtrot & debauch
in unfamiliar cities.
Subtract passport photos
never taken, frequent-
flier miles not acquired.
Reduce further for each night
you didn’t speak, the women
you didn’t take home
with you, the men.
Then begin your calculus
of woe, figuring self-
worth lost in pills ingested
to rob the equation of fear,
though fear won’t leave you &
your obtuse angles.
Fear remains everywhere,
equal now to fear plus
starting over.