Contradictions

Each corner. Every person. Decisions made and ultimatums given. Every sky and bird that lands on a branch. All of it filled with contradiction. In truth and lies and turning a cheek. Conscious and otherwise. The complexities of the simplest moments are so very fascinating.

From mountains to beer and an alibi

We found snow this morning. We found sun this afternoon. The dogs are washed and the little one drags his bed closer to the radiator between careful teeth and watches me while he dries. And tonight I go out. I mean out. For the first time in a long time.

To-not-do

I have a list of places to go, people to write, bills to pay, apartments to find and all the etceteras next to me. I have taxes and receipts waiting to be tallied under that.

I give those lists and receipts the middle finger. It is Sunday. I'll read with too many pillows and much too much chocolate and push those neat piles of paper off the corner of the desk and to the floor.



New print here.

A toast to alone

Millions of us, raising a glass of red to our lips, alone, across the country.

I have a sister in law drinking alone with her dog in celebration of a 3-year anniversary to my brother, who I am sure is drinking down south during his Spring training. And they toast one another from afar.

And I drink alone -- pull a fine bottle from the side of the rack and use the good wine glass at the back of the cupboard that needs dusting -- and toast nothing and everything.

Because that's what you can do when you are alone and tentatively happy and connected to all those around you within the night air.

A pane of glass stays whole

The wind mill at the top of the mountain is circling wildly. The trees bend.

In here -- in my home -- the dryer slowly turns, the dogs drop their toys at my feet while waiting expectantly and it all turns at a slow pace; a reverse winding that draws at a moment until it no longer has intricacies.

The pane of glass seperating the inside from the outside is much thicker today. And safely I will stay here, inside. Forget my work for a day. Forget the people I will speak to tomorrow.

I will remain safely quiet behind the thin glass while the wind whips itself outside and thank distraction and thank focus.