Nothing

When there is nothing to do that is what I will do
and try to do it properly, wholeheartedly,
not looking over one shoulder the whole time
as if to glimpse the shadow that may fall on me
darkly, and whisper sourly in my ear
about my failures, my omissions.

When there is nothing to do, count me in
and I will give myself completely to the project,
breathing quietly and bringing silence one by one
to the voices that kibitz from the sidelines,
bidding them surrender, relinquish all agendas,
be still, and let nothing prevail.