Teach Myself

Teach myself to wait.

Teach myself to talk about what’s on the news.

Teach myself to be less raw, to chafe less at memories.

Teach myself to do nothing, say nothing.

Teach myself not to want you to give me that look.

Teach myself to finish what I’ve started.

Teach myself to clean the house when no one is coming over.

Teach myself to drink slowly.

Teach myself to move quickly.

Teach myself to smile in a way that doesn’t invite trouble.

Teach myself not to be disappointed when trouble doesn’t come.

Teach myself to cry when I think I’m angry.

Teach myself to tell you what I want.

Teach myself to get it myself.