(no subject)

[laynamarya]

don't forget to eat
my mother says as i carry myself through the door
don't forget
to turn off the lights
before you go to sleep.

don't forget to do your work
my italian professor says as i drag myself out the door
don't forget to come to class
and watch the movie
without the subtitles.

don't forget to write your report
my supervisor says as i trip out her door
don't forget to check on
all those sick people
in your house.

don't forget to come next week
my counselor says as i depart from her office
don't forget to write every day
and don't forget
not to hurt
yourself.

i have a don't-forget list for myself,
too,
of course.

don't forget to go to the police station
to write to sonnet
to set up programs
to mail that book
to go to a praxis meeting
to write proposal guidelines
to email those people
to go to that kickboxing lesson
to call that friend
and to read all of those books.

in the face of all those
don't forgets
clearly
all i want to do
is to forget.

so i turn
and run
away from the obligations

i feel the wind in my face
in my hair
in my ears

whispering ever so quietly,

don't forget to live.