Write an enormous TO DO list
add a check by each item
when complete, lose the list

As new issues and details arise
write furiously on stray scraps of paper
various colors of sticky notes

Layer stacks of folders, books
papers, electronic accoutrements
with sticky notes in between

Bump against a stack
set it to right in a different
order, mind the dog

doesn’t chew a vital sticky note
Let the wind ruffle through the papers
pack the temple bells and Tibetan door

—a long golden cloth with the Buddhist symbol
of infinity, select photos, books, more files
ongoing editing, rewriting, a favorite rock

Invite a friend over, talk, rearrange
papers, play a few songs on guitar,
pack ***** clothes in bags that breathe

clean ones tuck in around artifacts
to protect them, give away more stuff
to friend, pack an umbrella

Remember there was a time
when I arranged my life
by the 15 minute interval

ordered books on my shelves
by subject—whether primary
or secondary—and century

Now, I like to leave things
a little more forgiving
with room to doodle in the margins

write a letter, feel more peaceful
walk the dog, return to the chaos
and eventually the clouds