Koi swim upstream like salmon

I teach next Saturday. I am teaching Acting For NonActors, and Improv. I bought my notebooks today. I spend the week prior writing and honing.

When I find that thing that makes me shiver, so big and true that I'm afraid to do it -- that's what we'll do in these classes.

When I get back in the studio, my whole life falls back into shape.

You would not believe how big this next step is for me, or how far back I am in starting it. I am like a long-jumper who is backed way up, ready to start that explosive sprint. I am backed so far I'm not even in the stadium any more.

i have forgotten
my name -- the empty floor and
actors are long gone

slingshot, my spine bones
scatter along the peremptory
Way like stones

koi swim upstream like
salmon -- those who reach the summit
become dragons

i, an old clawed frog,
have slid back to fat fishhood;
ineluctable

wings lift from the depths
spattering droplets; grunting
skyward-climbing pig

a fish cannot
imagine a dragon; or a
dragon, cherubim

have some hot tea with
me in this marigold cup
from Poland -- persist