Shelf life

When dreams die
in a convenient place
between boxes
of dried milk, you understand
the sacrifice--
the cupboard unlatched,
ajar,
waiting.

Some items aren't ready
to be discarded.
They aren't meant
for donation, either.
So your Greed
plans the trajectory,
the shelf life
of your grandest wishes,
and decides that

sure, we won't prepare these
today;
we daresn't use them
now,
but when my daughter is grown

they can be among
the shit that gets thrown away
for being spoiled.