If this were a practice life⎯

In the next
I’d croon and scat like Ella
Get down and dirty with Etta
Glide across the floor with Fred or Gene
Improvise with Basie
Score like Sondheim or Hammerstein.

In my spare time 
I’d cultivate a garden
Be fluent in Spanish
Make soufflés like Julia
Lounge, putter, fritter, 
Bask. 

Like peanut butter
Have a big brother
Add a lover.