balance

every morning
i practice:
find the balance
of a cup of coffee on the bed
it's not easy
to find the balance
don't shake too much
don't do anything rash
remain calm
don't lunge for it
coo to it softly
a little pressure from your palm
have it slide down the white sheets
slowly,
into your trembling hands.

there's a fine line between want and need
to balance this cup
is to risk the cleanliness of my white, white sheets
and so it is with people,
a balancing act
don't let the cup spill over
not too much
just enough of this and that
of want and need
and be willing
to risk your white, white composure
for this
love,
for this
balance.