Sketchy Instructions on How to Love Anything or Anyone
Maren O. Mitchell

1.
Do not make the first move.
Circle in very slow increments,
even if you take longer than you live.
Do not encroach. Learn as much as you can:
The changes of shape as breath leads to breath,
as winds approach from all angles.

2.        
Do not rush into a commitment of one emotion:
Desire to possess;
envy because it is what or who it is, and you are not;
excruciating worship of the sudden sheen,
the rage of azures,
the tones of voice swirling in thin copper bowls.

3.        
Do not expect to be admired,
to be irreplaceable,
to be cared about:
That’s not the point.
This is all there is:
Vision, ache, ignorance.


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