How to make a promise
First of all, know it can break.
It is eggshell. It is the last frozen
lake of March, splintered and ice-
hollow, and crossing it will take
some risk. Add in words like if
and maybe. Throw in a detail
about your dying catmotherdog.
Nothing hospital. Nothing you want
to be true. As the promise day nears,
practice words like traffic and running
behind. Tell yourself you will learn
to be a better person. Remember
that this is a promise, too. If you
end up keeping your promise, buy
a bag of confetti and plan your own
parade. Puff out your chest as you
show up or call, or whatever it is
that you said you would do. Pretend
not to hear that almost silent sigh
of relief as the other person sits down
or answers the phone. Above all, remember
that they have just kept a promise, too.