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how do i become?
i said.
the answer:
find a cherry in the cherry tree, suck on the pit. suck the marrow from the bone.
swing on the tire swing at the park, and throw your head back in laughter. eat good.
eat what fills you, nourishes you. eat honey and bread. sit on the porch in the rain.
shuck corn. shuck peas. throw the banana peel in the compost bin. rev your engine,
but don't drive too fast on the highway. forgive a friend. spite an enemy. hide from
what it is that's trying to kill you. drink wine on holidays, but not too much wine.
get a tattoo you regret. be careful of wolves. lie in the sun when you can. go look
at the ocean and wonder, imagine, say, wow, how big the world is. squint into the clouds.
put your face in the soft belly of a cat. touch hot asphalt with your bare feet. touch
cold metal with your bare cheek. wear lipstick, but no lip liner. call a friend on the
drive. chew on the ice cubes. taste wet snow. shower. brush your teeth. brush your hair
and pull it back into a tight braid. do laundry and dishes. dance. sing. make merriment.
l'chaim! pick flowers and pull weeds. breathe. cry. survive. above all else, survive.
