72 Words

I place a near-empty mug of green tea on my desk and lean back in my chair.

On the computer screen is my latest essay.

I wrote the first draft a year ago, then let it sit awhile.

Wrote the second, third, fourth, fifth, six, and seventh drafts about six months later, over the course of a few weeks. Then let it sit awhile.

This morning I pulled it up again. Now it's almost done. It's missing one tiny paragraph - the portion of the essay I always struggle with, the part right before the conclusion. Three to five sentences, no more than 72 words, yet so critical.

Walking helps.

Okay, I'm heading to the streets of Georgetown to get lost in the crowds.