Seize Your Days by their Balloon Strings

 

Carpe diem tells me that foolishness is apathy,

that sun tanning is better for the skin than the soul.

Pride presents itself as an award, a plaque, a Bible verse in my honor.

Or else crawfish hunting at four o’clock in the afternoon in August.

Infants look on helplessly as sour spit up dribbles down their chins.

And flies only live for twenty-four hours,

yet manage to accomplish so much: dumpster-divers,

plumbers, picnickers, surgeons.

Do not fear the deep waters of Lake Huron.

Ships haven’t sunk since 1859.

Do not carry a basket of compliments,

nor lace your shoes with promotions,

nor sip a cool brandy on your lunch break.
Allow a box of Crayola colors to choose your emotions for you.

Easter only comes once a year,

but sacrifice is eternity spooned into an acorn cap.