Pension
“Pension,” written April 26, poem 116 in a series of 365 poems written by Diana Ludwick in 2026. Photo, "Pension in the Pump," by Diana Ludwick (c) 2026.
I'm sorry my loves
for I am spending
my petite pension
at the pump.
Nothing will be left
to cruise to the Caribbean
in my elder years, because
I am paying for gas today.
Just skip one latte a month
NPR suggests,
during their Pledge Drive.
Well sorry to you all, too.
Because just driving
around town has me short
eleven Starbucks bevvies,
dumped in the tank in one go.
My wages, rended.
My savings, upended.
My plans? Rear-ended.
All by mens' toil over oil.
At this rate, I need to reset
my expectations like my fuel gauge.
Maybe I'll end up retiring
to the 'Strait of Vermouth.'
