I have been struggling to get out of bed lately. On Thursday, I swore I’d do it on Friday. On Friday, I decided that Monday was soon enough. I will get up. I will. Eventually. Soon.
I carried this poem tucked into the clear cover of my binder, all through college. People thought it was a joke…
Today
by Jean Little
TODAY I will not live up to my potential.
TODAY I will not relate well to my peer group.
TODAY I will not contribute in class.
I will not volunteer one thing.
TODAY I will not strive to do better.
TODAY I will not achieve or adjust or grow enriched
or get involved.
I will not put my hand up even if the teacher is wrong
and I can prove it.
TODAY I might eat the eraser off my pencil.
I’ll look at clouds.
I’ll be late.
I don’t think I’ll wash.
I NEED A REST.
[from Hey, World, Here I Am! 1986]