HOW TO TIE A SHOE
Step one: lay your laces to either side.
Consider how vast that distance is
to a tiny creature, how uncertain
the terrain.
Step two: choose a method. Sometimes many paths
lead to the same place–
Buddhists say there are eight of them,
flaming staircases converging in rightness
as you twist the bunny ears 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.
Issa M. Lewis 