Sudden Moments, A Deep Breath In

Suddenly, when I put on skincare.
Suddenly, when I lie on the sofa.
Suddenly, when I put on socks.

Suddenly, when a pimple surfaces.
Suddenly, when I step on the scale.

Suddenly, when I do the dishes.
Suddenly, when I sort the recycling.
Suddenly, when I watch "I Live Alone".
Suddenly, when I brew a warm cup of tea.

Suddenly, when "Stand By Your Man" plays.
Suddenly, when Yoon Jong-shin's "Like You, Love You" comes on.
Suddenly, when I realize it's time to wash the car.

Even at home,
even walking down the street,
even eating a meal,
even driving,
even watching TV —

there are times something wells up and spills over.

'Ah — wait,'
I quickly close my thoughts and my eyes for a moment, then open them.
Huuuuh —
I draw a deep breath in.

This is what helps.
This is what carries me.
Let me remember only the gratitude.

I steady myself and let out a long breath.



...
And then, passing by some sweet little couple,
or a parent holding a giggling child —
that one I can't control. It bursts out of me —


Really, though,
a walk
is at its best at this hour.