Arsenic and Old Laces

 

I have spent way too much time looking back.  One might think I am an owl.  Ungraded papers strewn about my desk, unreturned phone calls seeking my attention, and a relentless wall clock ticking off reminders of everything yet left to do.  I have tied my left shoe too tight and it, as well, now vies for my attention.

As I consider a shortcut that would end all of this, I bend over to retie my shoe, and the lace snaps off.