Imperatives for a New Chapter

“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 napto afford you some afternoon peace. Fend off the habit of catapultingyourself into someone else’s head.It’s like trusting Google Mapsfor directions to an obscuredestination with a common name. Keep yesterday behind youto avoid going in circles. Nibble on beauty all day,like fresh peppermint leavesfor an upset stomach. Believe in a Godwho answers the heartof foolish prayers.Today if you don’t have strengthto plant the garden,at least play in the dirt. You may find treasure--a sequinfrom a forgotten costume,mining the memoryof 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 Support a new year of poetry and timeless making by reading our magazine and becoming a premium subscriber. Listen to our interview with Rachel This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ageofmuses.substack.com/subscribe