I prepare
for the day’s infinite possibilities
while a subtle
sense of dread
throbs throughout my body

By setting down
the familiar
true encumbrances:
fear-based misgivings
buzzing like wasps’ wings
building a nest in my mind

With each and every out-breath
I unload
my neck & shoulders
pierced with the pinching pain
of my saddle bag’s
sharp leather strap
weighted
with rarely-used
just-in-case
sundry items
purporting to ease
my existential angst

I am released to the day
new
with hopeful innocence:
placing them down
is daily a challenge
but a chore
to which to tend
with delight