by Riley Shin

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Winter mornings take a dismal form.
Except for today, when I roll over to face
The Sun too wonderfully warm
Not to sit and savor his gentle embrace.

So today, I do nothing.

My tardiness leaves the Professor dim and dour.
“Your Big Paper is due right at the end of class.”
So I type like a madman hour after hour
Until I realize the deadline has long passed.

And again, I do nothing.

My ravenous hunger is dulled by a toothache
And everyone is busy, chipping heartily away
At the Big Project by which alone can a grade break.
And still, a family of chickadees enjoys a beautiful day.

I share my lunch with them and then do nothing.

I miss the bus home and vehemently shake my head.
To my left, an old lady struggles with her cane.
I stop sorrowing for a moment to help her instead.
We walk arm and arm until she crosses the lane.

I think I may have done something.

My friend pays a visit and announces with glee
Each and every Grand and Wonderful Thing
He has done or has accomplished recently.
I applaud and applaud, till the phone begins to ring.

I dare only to say nothing.

My Professor announces my paper is the singular worst
Paper she’s ever had the displeasure of grading.
As we speak, she’s preparing my academic hearst,
But I can only think of some good cake on pretty plating.

I feel nothing but the urge to eat.

Friend and I devour sleets of chocolate buttercream
Here on the couch, chatting merrily for a spell,
Talking as buddies do about our Big Dream,
And then it’s my turn to talk and tell.

I am afraid to admit I did nothing today.

He asks me how my day went,
I tell him all the happy and sad.
He politely asks if I ever meant
To ask more from life than I ever had.

He sees I have done nothing.

I could have done X, or Y, or Z,
I could have checked every little box,
I could have become a “better me,”
But strangely and softly, as slick as a fox,
All I say is:

I have not done nothing.
I have done at least one thing.
To love this day for what it is.

Today, I did the only thing that counts.

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© Riley Shin

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Riley Shin (she/her) is an aspiring writer with a deep passion for literary conventions, occasionally breaking said conventions, and appreciating the unseen things of this world. She has been recognized for achievements in Flash Fiction, Poetry, and Short Story with the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Riley hopes her work will inspire her audience, however large or small, to value themselves and those around them a little more. 

Find out more on her website smileyrileyshin.wordpress.com.

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