I have learned

我已经学会

that life goes on,

生活会继续，

or doesn't.

或者不会。

That days are measured out

日子以极小的份额

in tiny increments

被量取出来，

as a woman in a kitchen

像一个女人在厨房里

measures teaspoons

用茶匙量出

of cinnamon, vanilla,

肉桂、香草精，

or half a cup of sugar

或半杯糖，

into a bowl.

放进碗中。

I have learned

我已经学会

that moments are as precious as nutmeg,

某些时刻像肉豆蔻一样珍贵，

and it has occurred to me

我也忽然意识到

that busy interruptions

那些忙乱的打岔

are like tiny grain moths,

像细小的谷蛾，

or mice.

或者老鼠。

They nibble, pee, and poop,

它们啃咬、撒尿、拉屎，

or make their little worms and webs

或者生出小虫和细网，

until you have to throw out the good stuff

直到你不得不把好的东西

with the bad.

和坏的一起丢掉。

It took two deaths

经历两次死亡，

and coming close myself

我自己差点也到尽头，

for me to learn

我才终于懂得：

that there is not an infinite supply

储藏柜里的好东西，

of good things in the pantry.

并不是无限供应的。