puzzle

the strangest thing has happened.

I relapsed.

the pieces fought to be rearranged
elegantly.
they would have come marching
through the door
leaving elephant tracks of mud all over the place
hadn’t it been for my stern filter.

“not now, pieces,” I commanded,
with as much authority as I always pretend
I would have when I tell people what I would
really like to say.

“You’re much too disheveled for that
to be today’s agenda.”

But they whined, and squealed on their heels
and came crying to me,
pulling at all of the heartstrings
and aching my body all over,
saying,
“it’s no use to restrict us!
We’re ready as ready can be
to be put together!”

I didn’t know how,
huddled into my walk-in closet
or fumbling in the living room for the light,
this could be so simple.

but it was, and is, and will be.

when life is a puzzle,
solve it.