2000/wornarms

The worn arms of the tapestry chair,
slick with dirt.
The first day of spring –
time to paint the side of house
left undone last year.
Hose the window screens down.
In Southern California there is
never a clean break with winter.
Long sleeve shirts stay out
when the short ones emerge,
even though there isn’t room
enough in the drawer.
Seasons shift abruptly.
One day winter,
the next it is 80 degrees,
and too late to plant.
I’m thinking of giving up
on seeds and bulbs, and accepting
that I’m a trifling gardener
who puts in ready-made plants.
I like the instant reward of that.
I never was a planner,
Different people live differently.
It’s best to stick to what’s your own,
rather than trying to learn somebody
else’s way.
I’ve never liked people
who can’t be spontaneous,
and hated myself for not
being able to plan.
Viva la.
Viva la.
Viva la.
Different people must allow
themselves to live differently.

3/20/00