$4.90

$4.90

I forgot my son’s prescription refills again this month
and my homework assignment last week
and to make an appointment for a mammogram next month.

I also forgot to take out the trash last night
scoop the cat box last weekend
and buy dog treats the last time I went to the store.

I’ve forgotten my children at daycare.
I forget thank-you notes.
I once forgot to return library books for two years.

I am one of those freakishly honest people
who tells the waitress when she forgets
to put a drink on my ticket.

I turn in money found in the Wal-Mart parking lot-
even the ones and fives
because those bills could have been somebody’s last.

Yesterday I spent the day getting arrested
for petty theft.
I stole $4.90.

I didn’t have to wear handcuffs or be searched or ride in the squad car
but I did have to get printed
and have my “face the wall please” picture taken;

over $4.90 that I forgot about spending
forgot to write in a register
forgot to send to “we don’t take debit cards” collection agency.

Names, birthdays, anniversaries, favorite foods, food allergies, whose turn it is, where my keys are . . .
         There are so many big things I don’t forget
         $4.90 is so small.