by Issa M. Lewis
Step one: lay your laces to either side.
Consider how vast that distance is
to small hands.
Step two: choose a method. Sometimes many paths
lead to the same place–Buddhists say
there are eight of them converging in rightness
the bunny ears twist and loop through.
Step three: develop an understanding of tension.
Even spiderwebs have a sort of diplomacy about them.
Step four: prepare for tears. Near misses
hurt more than outright failures.
Your laces may not be long enough,
so measure carefully in units of intention
or desire. Note: your laces will never be long enough.
Step five: inhale to standing. You are now
ready to move in any direction.
Choose wisely. Double-knot just in case.
[Check out Issa M. Lewis's back porch advice]
