Tout de Suite
Spinning plates and juggling balls,
Hoping that the chips don’t fall.
Spiraling thoughts and hurried feet…
La pression monte tout de suite.
When hopes and dreams fly out the door
And promises dissolve once more,
Push aside all doubt and defeat…
La pression monte tout de suite.
Don’t wait until the other shoe drops,
Slow that wild carousel to stop.
Embrace the joy, for life is sweet…
La pression monte tout de suite.
Spinning plates and juggling balls,
La pression monte tout de suite.
Colleen Keller Breuning © 2026
February 21, 2026
Happy Saturday! Sometimes Writer’s Choice week is more difficult than having specific prompts. But then again, I love the freedom of being able to explore poetry and feelings and let it take me on a ride. 🙂
For some reason today the phrase “tout de suite” popped in my head and knowing a little bit of French, I played around with it. “La pression monte tout de suite” literally means “the pressure rises immediately.” It sort of encapsulates the anxious mind, when there are so many things spinning in my head and when anxiety starts spiraling. It’s a familiar place for me at times. Everything, everyone seems to be demanding something at once, and it can overwhelm to the point of paralysis. You feel like you’re failing or not performing up to speed… when in reality, you’re doing just fine. The problem is when it eats at you inside – you’re trying to placate and please everyone to your own detriment.
The imagery of spinning plates and juggling balls kind of makes it like a three-ring circus in my head, complete with a wild carousel on the loose. Sometimes you just it all to STOP, so you can get off the ride! It’s a warning to recognize stress and anxiety for what it is, and try to embrace peace and serenity. You’ll never completely get rid of pressure or obligations in your life, just do your best to create boundaries for your own mental health. Anyway, I hope that if this somehow resonates, realize that you are doing the best you can – and you will be okay. Hang in there, my friends! Xoxo
Love,
Colleen
Inspiration: “Like Spinning Plates” by Radiohead
Ecrits Blogophilia Week 34.17 – WRITER’S CHOICE – Tout de Suite
Hard Bonus: WRITER’S CHOICE – Incorporate a song title by Radiohead (“Like Spinning Plates”)
Easy Bonus: WRITER’S CHOICE – Include a carousel
Colleen Keller Breuning 
We love where your muse took you this week – “tout de suite” is a phrase we weren’t familiar with. It does seem like in this chaotic world that the pressure is coming at you nonstop! Your poem is a great reminder to try to set boundaries – KUDOS Dear Earthling! ❤