No Regret Just Being Like Them.... Poem by RIC BASTASA

papa got stuck
with a sea urchin
in the sea

grandpa had first degree
burn at the fire place
cooking his steak

grandma too had a burn
on her skin
spilling hot oil there
while frying her
favorite chicken

mama too slid on the wet
floor going to a party
broke her leg

grandpa said once during his
lifetime: not to have a burn
do not go near the fireplace

if i were to listen to all of
them then i can't have my swim
in the sea
can't have my steak
or my fried chicken
or can't attend a party

well, i have grown up
didn't mind my skin burns,
my broken arm, my thorns
piercing my foot

i just want to be happy
and i have no regret
just being like them.