I manage...

I manage to fit the day beside
a mango tree, two shade elms,
and a skiff lounging on the beach.

I manage to remind myself
to wind the stars and set them
so they return at night.

I manage to call out loud
to be sure that I am
still awake and calm.

I manage to try on my life
without tearing the seams
that hold me together.

I manage to place today
so it’s always on top of jars
filled with long ago and maybe.

I manage to pick up my smile
where I last left it,
on the doorstep of twilight.

I manage to find the streets of you
and others where you might be,
hiding the map from everyone else.

I manage to convince time
that it needs to take a break
and let us have the day off.