(or growing old is a crime)

I achieved Genius Level 
on the NYT’s Spelling Bee 
before 6 this morning 

but it took me way too long 
as I brushed my teeth
and took some pills
and heated up coffee
to come up with 
to remember
to recall
that word 
that means 
more than a misdemeanor.

~ Robin J. Phillips, Sept. 3, 2021