keys to the ivy league

and that is not how many pages i have left in my paper due tomorrow. that number is 3.

and that is not how many people are in the family. that number is 9 or 10, however you see fit to add it up.

and that is not how many hours of sleep i'm going to get tonight. that number is 4.

and that is not how many hours i've worked on this paper. that number is 10. on and off.

and that is not how many questions i've answered on my genetics pset. that number is 2.

and that is not how many people are in the library basement right now. that number is >7. I cannot see the other side of the basement.

and that is not how many people i've chatted with tonight online. that number is 2.

and yet, 5 is the number.

but should it count?
I'm undecided.
do malfunctions count?
Part of me says yes,
part of me says no.

5 is a good number.
will i stop at 5 for now?
i should.
but will i?

control.
do i have it?
do i want it?
not really.

selection.
do i have it?
do i want it?
yes. i want it.
i will be more selective.

there we go.
the numbers don't matter.
but from now on, the quality will.