it’s more difficult to fold your hands

in apathy than to do even

a small amount from day to day.

 

while rest is of value,

do not sit so long that

the weeds, they sprout

and grow

 

causing a bigger mess,

producing much more hassle

than the one you thought

to avoid.

 

vines grow willy-nilly,

dust invades every nook

and crevice, vermin

multiply fast, rust

corrodes.

 

 

this is infinitely more costly

in the end than to simply

embrace the manageable

and steady from day to day.

 

instead, protect yourself

from indifference that

births regret painful

 

and consumes your peace

as well.

 

apathy is not a neutral

place, no matter how hard

it masquerades.

 

Heather Pound 2023

Photo by Jack Sharp on Unsplash