To The Fortune Cookie Writer

Like all writers, the tone depends on your mood.

You’ve had a good morning. The coffee was just right and the baby slept in. A light rain watered the herb garden early enough and stopped before you had to head out to work. The bus was on time and no one sat next to you. You were first in the office. It was quiet. You turn on the computer and begin.

“Peace comes in small spoons.”

“You will find love in a fountain, soda or otherwise.”

“Your children will never curse you.”

“Wealth is the product of passion; passion cannot be the product of wealth.”

But days like this are rare. The baby doesn't sleep and you take turns pacing. 12:17. 3:47. 5:12. Your back hurts and the doctor’s advice is useless. You feel it when you bend to the right. You never realized how often you bend to the right.

“Don’t forgive quickly, but don’t grudge forever.”

“Ignore the loudest voices; they are greedy for ears.”

“Your days will change when your heart changes. Your heart changes when your mind changes. Your mind cannot change by will.”

You know when you are taking shower if the day will be throwaways. You feel nothing, not hope or despair, not anger or love. Not lust. Not hunger. But you have to go. You will write pages and delete them all.

“Don’t even try. If you haven’t started trying yet, don’t bother.”

“He doesn’t love you. You already know this. Everyone else already knows this. Everyone but him. Say it.”

“Fate is kind. But luck is strong. And though it may be written in some holy book somewhere, it will burn in a fire started by someone leaves a candle burning when she runs to the store for milk.”

“Look in the mirror. Do you remember your face 13 years ago? What happened?”