Today, I’m writing a bop. This is a 3-stanza poem. Stanza #1 is six lines long and presents a problem. Stanza #2 is eight lines long and explores or expands on the problem. Stanza #3 is six lines long and presents the solution or shows the failed attempt at a resolution. Each stanza is followed by a refrain. Source: Ethical ELA

I don’t think I can do it.

I try.

I pretend to try.

I tell others I’m trying

until no one believes me, least of all me.

I’m stuck, but I would do anything to get unstuck.

I want to finish my doctorate,

but the story I tell myself

keeps me on repeat and redo and remix

I want to write a book,

but doing the work will reveal who I am, but mostly who I am not.

Can pretending get me there?

Fake it till I make it?

How long till it breaks me?

I’m stuck, but I would do anything to get unstuck.

“The only way out is through,” said someone.

“We’re wired to do hard things.” says everyone.

“Face your fears to overcome them”. I said that.

I know the slogans.

I know the hacks.

And, I know me.

I’m stuck, still, but I would do anything to get unstuck.