note to self: an instructional poem

I want to do just this one thing
but that connects to ten other things
that connect to a hundred and

so on. 

and I’ve already forgotten what that first thing was because I’m now frantic chasing the others
I circle, and circle, and come around, and stop. 

I find some paper, write it down
(I’m nothing if not tactile)

and I hold that piece of paper, like a thing

I look at it this way
and that way, 

hold it to the mirror
and ask myself

does this matter to me?

and if the answer is yes, 

I keep it. 

Dear Self: a love letter

empty and expectant