The Ode to Procrastination

By Patricia Lezama

Here goes the passerby, weary from little sleep

Struggling to walk, striving to count her steps

She wants to be inspired, to see the beauty of the green gardens in a sunny and blooming spring

She recognizes that balcony, for she has passed by these many cobwebs before

There’s the same new broom resting against the same wall, motionless, they listen to the spiders weave each night a little more in the corner of the ceiling

A lamp blackened with soot and neglect, which once shed light, hangs like a forlorn lover

The cobwebs that were woven with imperceptible threads to catch sustenance, are now dense veils that tarnish the once fresh white corners

There’s another balcony above this one, holding several autumns’ worth of accumulated detritus

Dry leaves pile up on the railing, thirsty for rain they soak placidly, fecund they remain moistening the wood

One day someone stepped out onto that balcony on the first floor and perhaps thought to improve it

They bought that broom, with a head as full of cobwebs as their balcony, they decided to go inside and continue with their battles,

“When it’s less cold outside, I’ll clean,” they said.

Several mornings passed until the radiant, warm, and abrasive sun arrived

With the intention of inviting people over, the tenant went out to the balcony, took the dusty broom, looked at the ceiling, where the second-floor balcony, hovered above rotting, the beginning of collapse

Anger crept in, pushing aside the broom to start complaints

There are no good neighbors anymore, nor good building managers, claims are made, but no one listens, just as no one comes to visit those balconies, only the passage of time and forgetfulness keep them

When they restore the balconies, new decisions will come, say the neighbors, while the administrators delay repairs, prioritizing other duties

The costumed children arrive, peeking at the balcony, organic decorations, they demand their candies and leave singing cheerfully and happily.

When December comes with its lights and festivities

Changes are announced with purposes and purges

But trips and gatherings from outside arrive

Spring comes without warning, laden with pollen and more reasons to do the cleaning

The passerby continues her steps

Preferring that balcony with stacked ¨maybe later¨

than one occupied by so many objects, where space alone delays the stories.

With excessive or few things

Ultimately, it is motivation that thrusts

A movement, small and certain like these steps

bringing one after the other some meaning.

And there remains the broom undisturbed

Posing shyly for the camera that spies upon it

capturing the tales that linger in the corner.

Thanks to the review and collaboration to Melanie Reynolds!