speak up if you care even the slightest
stand up, cheer, do that whistle-thing you do
We only have one

tip your server triple your total
stick around to see her smile
We only have one

take a two-hour lunch to read poems on the beach
don't tell why, don't apologize
We only have one

look those you love straight in the eyes
let it be awkward until you crack, until they laugh
We only have one

hug generously those who love embraces
fist-pump all others, just no regrets
We only have one

get pissed at the wrongs, throw a fit, cuss
forgive even more quickly, and with grace, bless
We only have one

try that risky trick you just invented, fail EPICally
then do it again
We only have one

simmer and sit still with me awhile, I promise
the sun won't rise before dawn
We only have one

hey you, yes you, I dare you, let this soak in, and then

write
      scribble
            carve out
                     sing
                          SHOUT
your own lines!

We only have one

© Candice Reineke 2014