Do What You Can, Not What You Can't

 

Do what you can, not what you can't

said the woman holding my hand

when I was sick and shaking from withdrawal.

You can do one hour. One minute. 

Don't worry about your whole life tonight.

Do what you can, not what you can't

said the man with the age in his eyes

when I was carrying duty like a cross.

How do you know God wants you to stay married?

Listen to your heart and you'll have your answer.

Do what you can, not what you can't

said the woman with the side shave

when I finally fell in love for real, and with a woman.

It'll be all right, Pookie, she said. Maybe

she'll dig you. But first, dig yourself.

Do what you can, not what you can't

I said to the girl who thought I was somebody wise

after her dad threw her out; after some punks beat her up.

I told her she had shine, never think otherwise

even when the world tries to keep you in a boy-cage.

Do what you can, not what you can't

I say to myself as the years catch up

and I can't rake the yard without a dozen breaks.

I have tamed no tigers but became one myself

Quietly, while drinking coffee, while writing this poem. 

________

for Queen Cool Dora over at Dverse. She wants maxims, bromides, mantras, mottos. :-)

Music: David Mullen Alone, my personal anthem