We are masterful  
at filling in calendar squares, 
longing for the month-away party, 
buying the perfect gift, 
cheering on the underdog home team, 
watching the hours till mystery’s 
next episode is streamed, 
salivating for favorite author’s 
upcoming publication date  

but are all too willing 
to risk walking past 
an unbidden dance step  
while crossing the street, 
ignoring a lone daisy 
amid the brambles,  
brushing off wisdom from  
the least-expected lips  
and missing a fall-from-the-sky  
curl up with grandsons 
to read the collected works 
of Curious George.