102/365

refuse to count down
the days until your next holiday,
moaning and complaining
every morning
frittering away
perfectly sensible days.

see the way that tree bends,
how the light glows golden on the sill,
the kitten looking that way,
the awkward smile of the waving student
who is happy to see you again,
but would never admit it.

refuse to count down
the hours till this or that,
when the present moment
is an eternal lifetime.

feel the excitement of being back
in the classroom and doing the good work,
being the role model
who is not exhausted.

refuse to be trapped
in the cycle of past and future,

it’s the work in this moment,
the impact on that kid,
the realization of this life
as it passes that matters.

they are watching
how if live
authentically
in each moment,
through each day,
every week—
for death
is not long
away.

there is no need
for countdowns
with so much life
unraveling in front of us.