Sit amidst clutter: papers, clothes, crumbs
(take no notice of the mess)

Keep one ear open for conflict
(raised voices, crying; thud, slap, smack)

Try to recall the amazing idea
that hit you at 2 a.m.
(help your toddler in the bathroom)

Fight the frustration of not remembering
Start pounding at the keys anyway
Breathe as you hit your stride
(hop up, shake Goldfish in cup)

Start feeling confident at the tapping
of your fingers telling your story
Smile. Engage in positive self talk.
You can do this! It’s possible!

(Glance up at the clock, insistent)
Calculate the minutes left to write
Wonder if you’ve accomplished anything worthwhile
Re-read the few words you’ve written

(Wonder why it’s so eerily quiet)
Fight the critic, the editor within
Revisit the self talk. Smile. Breathe.

(Answer the phone: your son calling)
Then, throw caution to the wind

(Admire your daughter’s Hello Kitty drawing)
Hit publish, yell “I’m coming!” Go.

Try again tomorrow. Preferably at naptime.

--
Originally posted in September 2011