Fixin’

Thomas Hemminger

July 5, 2026

Fixin’ is a pretty Texan word. 

It means a purpose to plan, 

and the confidence to complete,

all at once. 

“I’m fixin’ to…”

tells the listener that 

“I’m aiming to do this for us, 

and it’s going to make life better somehow.” 

“I’m fixin’ to go to the store.”

“I’m fixin’ to make some dinner.” 

“I’m fixin’ to check on so-and-so.” 

I guess the secret 

to a long and healthy life

with someone else…

is just to keep fixin’ to.

Thomas Hemminger is an elementary music teacher living in Dallas, Texas. His work has been published locally in Dallas, as well as in The Wilda Morris Poetry Challenge, Texas Poetry Assignment, and The Poetry Catalog. His personal hero is Mr. Fred Rogers, the creator of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. It was through America’s favorite “neighbor” that Thomas learned of the importance of loving others, and of giving them their own space and grace to grow.