You Don’t Hafta

There is not a lot you really, truly
hafta do.

You don’t hafta marry that man.
You don’t hafta drink that last beer
or you don’t hafta not drink that last beer.
You don’t hafta shave or dye your hair or
get groceries.

You don’t hafta get out of bed
or go to bed.
You don’t have to sign that deal
or get that promotion.
You don’t have to take a shower
or get another credit card.

You simply don’t hafta.
You can but you don’t hafta.

You don’t hafta get that degree
or build a better mousetrap
or bring home all that bacon.
You don’t have to smile at everyone you meet.
You don’t have to take it on the chin
play those two aces
or do what they tell you
buy a newer, newer car.

You don’t.
You simply don’t.

So, why do you do?
Without a second thought?

I’m not asking you to drop out.
I’m just asking you to dismantle
their joystick.

And asking you to do
the one thing
you really, truly hafta do –
Love.

Love everything, everyone as you should yourself.

The rest can wait or just never be.
Easter Sunday. April 12th, 2020.