don’t say it (Poem)

when you suppose you’ve found your most difficult task

be wary indeed

do not say aloud

“this is the hardest thing I’ve ever done”

deities have keen hearing and cruel wit

with an illustrious history of punishing hubris

if you must speak, say only

a murmured bit of thanks then

go about your onerous work

best not to say anything at all,

lest you find yourself transformed

a tree or cricket at best

forever having an eagle dine on your liver at worst