This Is Not an Accomplishment

The business of living can be
Such a terrible distraction
From the satisfactions of life—

Not only the obligations
But the plans, coordinations,
Things busy getting said and done.

They have their own satisfactions,
Of course—the heavy medicine,
Lulling drug of accomplishment.

Oh, when you’ve finished the whole list!
Oh, how much you’ve crossed off today!
You actually did something good.

A breeze snatches you out of your
Rumination, but don’t be fooled.
It’s never rumination’s fault.

It’s the seduction of doing
And of having accomplished. . . what?
Have you noticed the air feels good?