#2543 a poem

Here is my final offering for this National Poetry Month. I drafted this poem back in 2017, and it has been on my mind since then. I have changed it a little, but it is still mostly the same as when I first wrote it.

Should

I hate the word should.

It hints at negligence:

You should have seen the signs.

It implies judgement disguised as advice:

What you should do...

It makes me feel guilty:

I should wash those dishes.

So when I hear or think the word should,

I stop.

Because maybe I did see the signs and

didn't realize I was missing something.

Because your advice is likely sound and good and

I would benefit from following it if I didn't feel judged.

Because I know those dishes need to be washed and

I just want to rest and I can wash them later.

And you know what?

I'm doing the best I can and

I'm not gonna should all over myself.