Have you ever done anything before you felt ready?
I may be performing my latest original song “I Left the House Before I Felt Ready” before I feel ready, six days from today.
Are you ready to feel the lyrics to that new song?
Ready or not, here they come!
I Left the House Before I Felt Ready
by Ann Koplow
I left the house before I felt ready,
I’m wrinkled, distracted, a little bed-heady.
Don’t know where my phone is, one glove, or umbrella,
My water bottle’s prob’ly somewhere in the cella.
Here on the outside I’m sort of unsteady
When I’ve left the house before I felt ready.
I left the house before I felt certain
What clothes to wear? Should I tuck my shirt in?
Should I eat a banana, a cookie, a peach?
Do something productive or go to the beach?
With indecision I’m strugglin’ and hurtin’
When I’ve left the house before I felt certain.
I left the the house before I felt sure
About what I can tolerate, face, or endure.
Should I stick to what’s safe or try something new?
Taking risks — tsk, tsk tsk — not the right thing to do?
I might meet someone nice or step into manure
When I’ve left the house before I feel sure.
I did leave the house, I can recall,
To work, to sing, to shop at the mall,
If I waited until I was sure not to fall
I’d never leave the house at all.
I left the house before I felt ready,
I’m vulnerable, present, and reasonably steady.
I’m glad to be here even if it’s not home,
Even if my hair needs a brush and a comb,
I’m not totally sure or secure, this is true,
But I’m certain I’m ready enough to meet you.
© Ann Koplow, 2018
Do you feel ready for my latest photos?
I’ll be ready with that t-shirt (tucked or untucked) when I debut that song at an Open Mic on Friday, December 7th.
There are no songs on YouTube with my title, but here‘s the Fugees‘ “Ready or Not” performed by Southern University Marching Band in 2016:
I feel ready for your comments if you feel ready to share one below.
I’m always ready to express gratitude to all who help me create these posts and — of course! — YOU.
