pumpkin spice protein shake

Pumpkin spice protein shake from last year

Lives in the back of the fridge

Today might finally be the day 

That I drink it 

If it’s still in date 

Forgotten for a cycle of seasons 

Limited edition case

Impulse buy

Had to try

Didn’t like it 

How many things have I wasted

And left to expire?

How much have I forgotten 

And left to recover? 

I pull it out past rotisserie chicken

And container of vanilla greek yogurt 

Stamped on its side: “AUG122026”

Today's the day 

I finally throw it away