By Daniel Paiz

April 1st to April 30th routinely feels like the fastest month of the year, and it’s in large part to this challenge. It’s likely been five or so years that NaPoWriMo has been written through each April, and it’s a good writing exercise. It’s also a reminder to keep going as the rest of the year rolls along.

“Just the Beginning” is a mantra to use whenever things feel like they’re a bit stagnant, because one can always switch it up to push forward.

Just the Beginning

We gonna make it,

not just you and the mirror,

but the proverbial person listening or who might hear,

words of solace,

words of trepidation,

if no nerves for you,

then prep wasn’t the start of your equation.

This time I remember clearly,

thinking things past, too drenched and dreary,

not the outcome I was seeking,

because I expected more cheering,

belief starts in your own old bones,

before another

skeletal movement sways towards you, dearie,

sometimes it’s just you needing to hydrate,

get out of gremlin mode,

scrolling at a prolific rate,

ironic a little those devices meant to connect us,

often divide quicker than a defense losing focus,

little rhyme or reason,

dribbling and jumping anew every season,

the game too addicting,

my writing a therapy environmentally friendly.