My 4 Year-Old Would

By Maggie Hess

If you don’t know what to do

take your hand and put on your shoe

walk around or water a tree

start being whom you’re meant to be

if you want to build your core

do a sit-up, then do more

move your body, keep committed

quit the part of you that quitted 

it’s ok if you need rest

sit on the porch like the best

count 4 breaths in

count 4 out

wake up singing

sing and shout

channel your inner child

let your heart go wild

design your every move

forgive someone, turn to love.

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Maggie Hess (she/her) is a poet, essayist, blogger, and children's book writer, illustrator. Hess advocates for disability resilience with her BA from Berea College and leads a small growing writing community.