I Did It When I Could

I guess it’s a rule you should walk
by 12 months, maybe 18, certainly
before a second birthday.
Bills are due when they’re due
but can be paid after that
with consequences.
Mother couldn’t imagine getting up
without immediately brushing teeth
but teeth didn’t dissolve

before breakfast.
All kinds of folk have opinions —
they’ve told me for years how to live.
I guess they were right.
But even if I couldn’t, didn’t, wouldn’t
I did it when I could.