When to write poetry

Poetry should be attempted when you are tired
And unable to think of the right word
And a clever line is tantalisingly out of reach.

Poetry should be attempted when your mind has been
Shut down, even while the computer is still on
And tomorrow's meeting has taken on the mien
Of a monstrous spreadsheet.

Poetry should be attempted in the midst of a week's grime
When you haven't had time to clean and the weekly help hasn't been in
And the nightmare pile of dirty clothes assumes towering proportions
And the rain only adds to your sense of ill usage and injustice
Because now the clothes will never dry.

Poetry should be attempted in the humdrumming noise
Of the inside voice
That will yell at you
To change that bulb
Write that mail
Call that angry friend.

Poetry should be attempted in the mundane clauses
Of everyday contracts
That demand you sleep
And eat and work
Because otherwise poetry
Would never be attempted.