93

Mark Simpson

Ask the patient to begin with 100 and count backwards by 7.
Stop after 5 subtractions (93, 86, 79, 72, 65). Score the total
number of correct answers.

To those of us challenged
to count backward by seven,
be it known
that 93 is the first step,
a resting place and assuredly
the right answer.
May we find there an awakened
state and in the hush of others
waiting for further declension
be further quiet
in the slack tide of 93.
We are leaving anyway
and have no use
for 86.