Monthly Archives: February 2025

Effective Praise

I seldom value compliments as muchas others seem to do, or you advise.Perhaps I’m skeptical, or not in touchwith graciousness, or maybe I would prizecooperation more than words. My triesat humble gratitude seem too reservedto please. But I’m consumed with … Continue reading

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Side B

The flip side of anxiety appearsto be imagination. What so leapsto fret, before a threat or peril nears,can be engaged to spin an anecdote,a narrative produced in hemispheresthat generate unchecked uneasiness.A harness might be woven that adheres,and overwrites the nervousness … Continue reading

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Mid Job

The window job is not complete, and won’tbe finished for a half a month or more.My guy is taking off a week I don’tbegrudge, and then he’ll start on every doorwith soggy threshold (sadly, there are four),while staining, trimming, making … Continue reading

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Solace

Most public servants aren’t competent;effective doesn’t seem to be a goal.So I don’t think we’ll call it accidentwhen red team fails to carry out its goal.Their players don’t appear intelligent.Their leader lacks sufficient self-control.Such comforts me, renewing hope and nerve.If … Continue reading

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Comic Speech

In screening sets of standup comedy,I’m struck with how they regulate their speech.They take good time that doesn’t seem to bea pause for the applause or laughs. They teacha slow enunciation I could try,who most my life have spurted words … Continue reading

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Yoga for Stress Reduction

They’re plus and minus 70 years old.He made a silly error. She was miffed.He could have asked. He knows she would have told him gently how (she has a teaching gift).But he was insecure, and careless too.The error cost her … Continue reading

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Early in February

Some mornings I wake up before I thoughtI might, but after what’s sufficient sleepto operate so consciously. I’m broughtto full attentive state, and I can’t creepback into dreaming comfort. I’m not fraughtor even fretful, but don’t want to keepreclining, so … Continue reading

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Murmuring Couplets

Where crosswalks aren’t indicated, thereare fewer accidents. When workers weartheir chosen clothes, like Fridays, they producemore than when they’re constrained in stuff not loose.Catastrophes invite the best, and anyoccasions full of looters aren’t many.Around is mostly good, I want to … Continue reading

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Cherish or Perish

Until his question, I was unawareof anything abnormal in my eye.An hour earlier it wasn’t there,but suddenly two bloody streaks low-framedmy iris. I had moved with normal care.I don’t recall a cough or sneeze or blow.Another aging sign? A passing … Continue reading

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Morning Minute

“There oughta be a law,” she said to me. “Without enforcement?” Then I shook my head.“The matter just needs sense and courtesy.Let’s leave it to our consciences instead.” “I think you’re advocating anarchy.You know the warlords; soon we’d all be … Continue reading

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