Before I make my breakfast
Each morning–well

The mornings I can manage to remember that self-care is a thing we’re supposed to care about.

I snip gently away the rosebush thorns of last nights’ dreams
Wrapped tight-not-tight around my ribcage

I lean close to the mirror. Close enough for myopic eyes to watch, for tired ears to listen,

Fates best foretold in fewer
decibels fewer
syllables.

“You are going exactly where you’re heading.”