LPiA-24 Nov. 24

[RiverNotch]

Reflect on how the bird
requires no such routine
to feed itself, the cat
to wash itself, the dog

to find a mate. Reflect on how
the sun forever rises to reflect
on his Creator, the rain innately falls
in beads or knotted ropes, the wind

knows without having to be taught
all eight tones. Reflect on how the grass
congregates, on how the earth
by rising into various hills and mountains

fashions various churches, on how the sea
nourishes so much life
however brackish it may be. And then reflect
on cups of instant noodles gathered

for security, on water bills,
on having to apply
with bloated guts and swollen feet
for maternal leave:

self-care is self-deception born
of public apathy.