A Day to Work

[Oceantide]

I need a day to work
But it’s so nice outside
I already ran the park trails
I already took my shower
I already ate my breakfast
I already dressed in work clothes
But still the birds are calling
And I start writing poetry
While book proofs go untended
And class prep is ignored
While papers pile like mountains
The grading pushed aside
Instead I dream of spiking
Volleyballs on the court
Diving to thwart an ace
Jumping to block attackers
All while writing poetry
Icing my back in an armchair
Typing my words on a laptop
As birdsong pulls me elsewhere