i’ve spent

hours on others

 

i can’t

make them do anything

still

i type

declare what you’re going to do

 

or not

 

i am merely your cane

i support you

your steps

 

so

hey

listen to me

 

Hush little baby

don’t say a word

mama’s not gonna buy you a damn thing

regift the love

 

mama’s gonna write you

a paragraph

a recipe

the directions

a how-to

a DIY if you will

love

yourself

 

step one

do not

wedge yourself in the past

 

step two

admit it

they are bad for you

swallow your pride

rid your guilt

 

step three

move

the fuck on

 

step four

stop asking for attention from people who can’t give it to you

in the way you’re asking

 

step five

be your own

friend

 

mix

bake at 450°F for at least

the rest of your life

cool

serve

to yourself

 

a well-cooked

properly seasoned

life

 

yo

love is not a canned good

you can’t store it

for later

especially after you’ve opened it

 

you are a record player

stop playing

the same songs

you’re getting yourself

scratched up

 

take your own damn advice