It is an interesting moment in my life, even my writing life. We are exhorted to have a plan. That without a plan we plan to fail. But where is there serendipity? Where is synchronicity? Having been a nicely organised woman for sixty-one years, buying a new diary to calendar the upcoming new year three months in advance of the actual event of New Year, I am declaring myself a calendar-free republic! At least in terms of having long-term plans. I have just seen too many scribbles out over the past two years.
It began in small ways when I stepped back from many evening committments. It has now spread into planning professional engagements. I tried to ordain what the future might hold with tarot cards. But all I could see was a blank space. Some silence. Some time with the page.
And so I threw away the plan
too many crossings-outs on the wall calendar
evidentiary of intent confounded,
a failure to commit to a moment in its prime.
Focus, they say, because failing to plan is
planning to fail. Feel like a guilty sot.
When plans fail,
when the world is spinning on a new axis
and everything is a bit skewwhiff, upscuttled,
the time space continuum is discontinued.
Diaries have gone digital. Calendars cyborgs. Just as
emails are now the equivalent of Edwardians’
prompt morning, afternoon, and evening post
when every word travelled first class
(except for the dreaded telegram,
the boy on his bicycle removing his cap
to deliver the black-bordered
news from the War Office.
Until even he was replaced
by a girl.)
Everything changes. Even the moon
was not Herself recently, tensely
going full twice in a calendar moon-th.
I query the stars in the sky,
ask the planets in the courses why.
To plan or not to plan?
Or just always swim upstream
against the current? So it seems.
If not now, when?
The oracles are silent.
No one knows anything anymore.
Not the time.
Or the timing.
Perhaps the tide table (just).
Or (maybe)
still able to read rip tides.
Copyright © Bee Smith 2018
Featured image Photo by Emma Matthews on Unsplash
Sojourning Smith 
Go with the tide Bee!
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I can so relate to this. However, in my case, the plan is crumbled up in my fist, and my arm is drawn back. Just haven’t taken that final step to release, so to speak. Beautiful prose, as always, Bee.
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Sorry about the physical symptoms. Thank you for appreciating the words.
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