Cute French Couple just came into the store
Holding hands
Looking very American
But then whispering in the language of love.
They bought candles,
And left them here so they could take in the Cubs game unencumbered.
They were so cute.
So in love.
So insanely attractively French.
My old grumpy dog
has more gray than before
More grump than before
And more lumps than before
His joints hurt when he jumps
And he sleeps most of the day
And through the night.
He hates the rain
and loves cuddling
Until you make him move.
He's my little monster.
Agnostic Avocado
Lent Limes
Gracious Garlic
Catholic Cilantro
Ornamental Onions
Sinful Salt
Prayerful Pepper
Combine, serve. Holy Guacamole.
I often misspeak
And say I am thirty
When I am that plus one
It's not fun
Being older than you feel.
For so long I felt 25.
Even as a 12-year-old
I longed not just for college
But the years beyond.
Adulthood and apartments and being comfortable in heels.
Some of those things happened, others didn't.
But also I did get older
And now my years have passed my soul a bit
And it is strange.
And will only get worse with time.
I think I convince myself
That I am strong
And brave
And that there's nothing strange about soaring through the air
In a metal cylinder with wings
With dozens of strangers
And recycled air
And half-poured sodas in plastic drawers
And seats
That double as flotation devices
In the event of a water landing
Like landing in water
Is just a a landing
And not a crash.
I think I still hate flying.
Apparently
Even though women
Are "supposed" to be homemakers
When someone else
Comes into your home
To make it better,
He doesn't want to hear
About your thoughts
Or feelings
On the tile or wood or grout or paint.
How would you know?
Silly woman.
Soapy floral jelly candy
Coated in sugar fine
I think you're really quite a dandy
And now I'm gonna make you mine.
I go to FedEx Kinko's
To make some photo prints.
I shouldn't ever go there
Due to incompetence.
A graveyard of machinery
In plastic blue and gray
Malfunctioning equipment
Why would a person stay?
The sign upon the printer says
To ask an employee
But despite many wand'rings
Not one worker do I see.
Finally I spot her
Her shirt purple and black
And ask her what the deal is
When will functionality come back?
"It's just not going to happen"
She says in tone resigned.
"Just go to CVS."
I do, a photo print to find.
I have now learned
That there is nothing that catches my heart in my throat
Quite like my husband
Holding his first nephew.
The pride of family
The fear of fragility
The love.
Hormones and love and infants are powerful things.
And maybe, someday, he will hold a baby that is his.
Ours.
And my heart will explode.
Nothing breaks down barriers
Like babies do
Grown men bounce
Speak in silly voices
Coo and crow and babble at the tiny babe
If only war negotiations
Were supplied with babies
Perhaps fewer conflicts would begin.
For nothing seems as silly as war
When there are babies to bounce
And babble with