Imperatives for a New Chapter
By Rachel Landrum Crumble
“For who has despised the day of small things?” Zechariah 4:10a
Avoid self-loathing before breakfast.
Trot out your anxieties before noon.
Wear them out and put them down for a nap
to afford you some afternoon peace.
Fend off the habit of catapulting
yourself into someone else’s head.
It’s like trusting Google Maps
for directions to an obscure
destination with a common name.
Keep yesterday behind you
to avoid going in circles.
Nibble on beauty all day,
like fresh peppermint leaves
for an upset stomach.
Believe in a God
who answers the heart
of foolish prayers.
Today if you don’t have strength
to plant the garden,
at least play in the dirt.
You may find treasure--a sequin
from a forgotten costume,
mining the memory
of a childhood parade.
Read by Rachel Landrum Crumble
Rachel Landrum Crumble is a life-long poet and retired teacher. Her two poetry collections are Sister Sorrow (Finishing Line Press 2022) and In Praise of Detours (Main Street Rag 2025). Find her on Substack @rachellandrumcrumble or at poetteachermom.com.
Featured in New Lyre - Winter 2025/2026
"This beautiful world of ours" Stevens called it--perhaps with a smidgeon of irony? The poem seems to allude to a few of its heavenly charms. I like its directness, sans flourish, just flatly stated little formulas, a few little ways of self-recompensing during your final endurance test on death row. I like the dry delivery. It only gets harder every step of the way.
@rachellandrumcrumble Lovely poem. Congratulations.