Yesterday as I practiced, I contemplated the crevice
That snakes around the boulder.
The crags and scarps resemble the Samariá Gorge
And must have formed as did that canyon,
But writ small.

Today as I practiced, I contemplated the path
The boulder travels along the hill.
The rise and fall resemble the pivot of my sandal
As it rocks along my journey,
But writ large.

Tomorrow, oh kind and merciful Zeus,
Grant me at least one more day
To practice.

“You have to be odd to be number one.” — Dr. Seuss.

Why yes Sir, it’s true:
this does imply
you can’t be number one
if you’re not odd.

But despite what you implicitly insist,
it does not imply
if you’re odd,
you’re number one.

When you fail to be perfect,
just try harder.

When that fails,
just lie.

When that fails,
just give up.

When that fails,
just be ashamed.

When that fails,
just be.

Perfect!

Thank you for legs.
For wheezing.
For huffing.
For sweating.
And sunrise.

Thank you for chaos.
For creativity.
For students.
For teachers.
And work.

Thank you for walls.
For roofs.
For small spaces.
For blankets and cushions.
And home.

Thank you for others.
For lovers.
For friends.
For joy.
And being a part of something.

Thank you for solitude.
For pain.
For grief.
For sadness.
And being apart from something.

Thank you for eternities.
For infinities.
For paradoxes.
For awe.
And thank you for thank you.

Danseuse enchants on stage,
Wisping elegance astride the shrouds,
Luminous grace between the drapes.

But behind the curtain,
Where no one sees,
She knows only darkness.