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The Lie of the Rubik's Cube
Rubik's Cubes are not easy to solve
The green mixes in with the yellow
And we just can't have that
If we want to beat it
I have spent many nights on the phone
"You can't do it!" I say
"So many people would miss you!"
My hand is sweaty
And there is a crick in my neck
But I cannot switch sides
Because my other hand just isn't free
Nothing but shiny monochromatic walls
That is the goal
Sometimes we get excited
Think we've succeeded
Invite others over to show them
And they smile, nod, congratulate
Until they stop, frown and say
"You missed a side"
Often I trudge wearily
Think about that piece of advice I gave
That cup of Starbucks coffee
I spent five dollars on
So I could sit across from another overpriced cup
And the person drinking it
And be heard but ignored
I shake my head and force myself to think of something else
The times the five dollars bought not just a cup of coffee
But a laugh
Enlightenment and appreciation
The fact that the phone calls
Were not in vain
And I can't remember why my other hand wasn't free
Only that these times
If only briefly
I was creating
At least one perfect side of the Cube
I think I'll deal with
The mixed up sides
The checkered blues and greens
The slivers of yellow
Tomorrow
