The Other Shoe

It’s rare that I have them—

those small, stolen

moments of release.

But then again,

it never ceases

to amaze me

that they’re over

as soon as they begin.

I tell myself, be present.

Don’t waste time

focusing on the wrong things.

But I can’t stop

thinking of what comes next.

It’s almost impossible

to enjoy what I know

will be short-lived.

Even if I wanted to,

even if I tried,

and I do,

sometimes I’m lost

in that short-term bliss,

nonetheless,

the whole time

I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop