The love of a family
is not a given
and a big extended family
is not a given
and a circle of friends
is not a given.
Acceptance and understanding
from those who talk and listen–
I listen to others and notice,
these things are not a given.
And now I have a debt, a bank
of thanks not given.
Stacks of notes of thanks to send,
for tomorrow’s not a given.
Let me think.
Let me know what you think.
Let me know, let me think that I know
how to go about this.
Then show me how to let go.
Let me see.
Let me wonder again.
Let me try this one more time and then
I’ll be done on my own.
Then show me everything you know.
When we vote, we’re one but two,
because I’ll vote the same as you.
We choose our choice,
compound our voice,
and hope that what they’ve said is true.
So here’s this running list of names
who give each other all the blame.
But I know you
and you’ve been true,
so let us think and vote the same.
If you’ve got a great idea, but no time left in the day,
and you wonder what the world would think or what your friends would say,
and your seven other projects are getting in the way,
and you’re not sure that it will work (but think that it just may)
just pretend you’re a mad scientist, and do it anyway.
If by “let’s be realistic”
you mean “let’s make that a reality,”
let’s go!
And along the way,
please don’t say
“I told you so.”
Because when it is reality,
you’ll find it quite realistic.
But if you stop right here
you’ll already have missed it.
Get well soon.
We’ll go outside.
We’ll run around the yard and
rake up all
the leaves and move
them all into the garden.
Get well soon.
We’ll go somewhere,
drive off without a care and
stop at stores
and buy some stuff
and generally run errands.
Get well soon.
We’ll have some fun.
By “fun” I of course mean work.
Get well soon.
Unless you want
to stay and rock and nurse.
I feed
the baby, then I feel
a hungry need
for food; I feed
myself, then I feed
the baby, then I feed
the sourdough starter, then I feed
the baby, then I feed
the chickens, then I feed
the baby, then I feel
a hungry need
for food; I feed
myself, then I feed
the baby, then I feed
the kefir grain, then I feed
the baby, then I feel
a hungry need
for food; I feed
myself, then I feed
the baby, and then I feed
the baby (again) and then I feel
a hungry need
for food; I feed
the household, then I feed
the sourdough starter, then I feed
the baby, then I feed
the chickens, then I feed
the baby, then I feel
a hungry need
for food; I feed
myself, then I feed
the baby, and then I sleep.
And then (again)…