I’m thinking of becoming a life coach. So I’m making a list. Time
might not be “real,” but knowing this
doesn’t change anything. So that doesn’t go on the list.
“Cinderella rules are not real life rules,” goes on the list instead.
You have this cascade in life, like drinking from a firehose, and now the
1950s
are making a comeback. Sure, but what about the rest of us?
This is a coachable moment. As in, no more peace talks
for Henry Kissinger. No more ray guns
for Ronald Reagan. Keep your eye on tomorrow but live today.
And I’ll see you in high water.
In case both are armed, choose a second, who will play a crucial role in
negotiations. I’ll choose Luke. He always wants everyone to end up
happy.
That’s part of my life coach playbook. Speaking friendly
to animals is another. When a cloud forms
on the balcony, name it “New Pope,” for company.

*

Are these skeletons bedazzled or is it something to do with the closet
lighting?
And I love the little nurse hat. Yes, but distractions
also require a kind of sustained attention. “Everything Is Peaceful Love,” by
Bon Iver, for instance, on the radio.
Other concepts include, “nothing,” “something” and “anything.”
One of us could have been a celebrity by now, beloved, and then
believing we deserve it, we’d share all our thoughts, odious
thoughts maybe, that we’d not think were odious, because
we’re celebrities, right? Also, above, I don’t mean “radio.”
I mean an app on my phone. And I don’t really mean “closet.” I mean body.
I mean there’s a folding card table in the woods behind your soul
glazed with rainwater. Is that it? Project after project?
This is a project and I am a project manager. I’m projecting. Even better.
I can tell people this is what I do for a living when they ask.
On a plane, usually, and wanting the short answer.