after Kareem Tayyar’s “Dream Journal”

If you wake with your jaw clenched

then the world has asked too much of you.

If the light comes through the window like a stranger

then you’re not broken, just lonely.

If you sit at the table with bitter coffee

then you are practicing being older.

If your clothes are unfolded on the chair

then your spotlight is on what’s unfinished.

If you hear music from your window

then be aware—the birds adore you.

If your home includes a balcony

then every view is yours to keep.

If on the way to work you stop at every red light

you are being saved from something you don’t know.

If you arrive at your job and someone smiles

then your life is better than some, maybe most.

If you sit at your desk and see the photo of someone you love

then prayer is your private language.

If you open your laptop and don’t check the news

you are a lucky ostrich living in your cubicle.

If you open your lunch and find cherries

then the slot machine of your life has hit the jackpot.

If you eat the cherries

then the world will fall in love with your delicious red lips.

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