How to not write a poem

Insist that the prompt is just too easy

Not worthy of thought, not worthy of effort.

Know that inspiration shall flash.

Go for the bike ride; stop at the creek.

Rest under the Elder,

be awed by the egret’s white flight.

Trust that inspiration shall flash.

Cradle that child all through nap time,

treasure her presence as it lasts,

a minute, an hour, maybe a year,

Blink and she’ll be gone.

Hope that inspiration shall flash.

Rejoice in the rain so unexpected that

watered the basil, bay leaf and mint;

Don’t fret two days that were without power.

Wonder if inspiration shall flash.

Seek to post the promised essay,

create a class’ first plan,

pack for a road trip a week away,

mend that aching heel,

Wish intently that inspiration shall flash.

Sit down to write, then arise

to clean the house and

cook the meal for the

Buddha Buddy party your partner hosts.

Pray that somehow inspiration shall…. what?

Give in to the moment, admit defeat.

Write what comes, inspired or not.

It is what it is, not what it could have been.

Who knows, one can wonder, if inspiration had flashed,

what would have been gained, and what lost.