For today’s prompt, write a control poem. That is, write about having control, losing control, or sharing control with others. Of course, I expect at least one person to mention the control key on keyboards. And well, y’all always surprise me, because I can’t control which direction everyone is going to go with this prompt. — Robert Lee Brewer, Writer’s Digest
(I have read some COVID-19 coping advice to this effect, so I make no claim that these ideas are original, but they are definitely helpful to me!)
control
I can control
how I spend my time
what I consume
including what I read online,
whether I get enough sleep
(not doing so well with that one)
my own response to what happens around me.
I have more inner resources to exert control
if I practice self care
(including the sleep part mentioned above)
and don’t let my cup get too empty.
I cannot control
whether other people in my city and state follow rules
what the government does or does not do
whether anyone in my family is exposed to the virus
(other than taking precautions as best we can).
I cannot control anyone, not a single person, other than myself
no matter how closely related we may be
or how much influence I feel I should have.
And so I must let go of the hope of such control
and focus on my tiny sphere of influence
and on making the best decisions for myself
and for the good of my community.
I would like to have more control!
But I have gotten used to disappointment.