To be other

When I learned to shave at eleven

I cut myself right up the shin bone

because I was in such a hurry

to be older

When I said "I do" sophomore year

I cut my tender young heart deeply

because I was in such a hurry

to be faithful

When I made fresh latkes years later

I cut the tip of my thumb clean off

because I was in such a hurry

to be worthy

When I shaved my shin smooth this morning

there was no injury, cut or gash

because I was not in a hurry

to be other