what I should be doing

I should be finishing my paper,
the one that's due
tomorrow that I'm only
three-quarters done with.

Or I could be starting that
lab report,
the one that's due
Wednesday
for the lab I have yet to do.

But what I am doing
is thinking.
Of you, of me.
Of what could be.
Of running, of racing.
Of LA embracing.

Travels and schemes
and plans and themes
and new things to see
and old friends to be.

But what I should be doing
is staying right here.
Finishing up
what's already there.