I must solve my life
said the old woman
thinking of her grandchildren
and of her marriage
and of her many former lovers

I must solve my life
said the red tulip, arranging her skirts
troubled by the ache of sunshine
the squirrels and dogs
far too hyperactive

I must solve my life, said the dog
torn between tame and wild
bouncing from chow bowl to street
addicted to human love
dumb animal