The train rumbles to a stop at the platform
and we board
oblivious to the announcements being broadcast over the PA

We are excited to be on our way to see our beloved team
caught up in a discussion about the impending competition

As we ride to our destination
I look at the passing buildings surprised at what I’m seeing
an entirely different view of my city
versus what I am exposed to when driving in my car

We are joined by other fans and revelers
the atmosphere charged with laughter and robust chatter

Disembarking we are caught up
in a surge of people
that swells with each passing of a staircase or entryway

I hang on tightly to my husband’s hand
then allow myself to be carried
along with the flow of the crowd

Snippets of conversation catch my ear
a laugh
a whistle
a hoot and a holler

We are going to the game
and right now that’s all that matters

fun for everyone

The full moon beams
brilliantly
over the sleepy city and quiet prairies.
Mountains on the horizon loom
tall and proud
reflecting heavenly light off snow capped peaks.

I imagine a change of guard of
celestial gatekeepers
taking place with this shrouding event.
Ancient Mayans envisioned a
giant jaguar
swallowed the moon making it disappear.
Local terrestrial citizens may
watch with awe
while others sleep
incognizant
to what is occurring in the sky above them.

As the spinning orbs
align themselves
and earth’s shadow conceals a large red moon
reorientation
is a possibility in our inner selves, too.

The moon
influencer
of emotions
and personality
may cause a shift within
whether we believe it
or not.

My alarm beeps and I roll out of bed
spying a crimson glow on the eastern horizon
outside my window

The city skyline in silhouette against the navy sky
begins to glimmer as lights flutter on in preparation
for the work day

Outside, below our residence, shadows are shifting.
What lurks in the gloomy shade cast by the quiet buildings?

My thoughts accelerate to a gallop letting fear have the reins.
I blink back tears and calm my racing heart as I repeat: I
am safe. I am secure. I am completely protected at all times.

I continue to get ready for my day knowing I am not alone. I do
not have to fear the shadows. I can anticipate a carefree day
full of the promise I saw in the blushing sunrise.

Who knew cardboard could fight back so hard! Today my husband and I are assembling a desk and cabinet from Scandinavia. My job is to flatten the container boxes in preparation for recycling but they are resisting fiercely causing some paper cuts and a few choice words. The pieces were constructed in Indonesia and they arrive with French and English instructions. Actually, the assembly directions are diagrams that truly test one’s spatial awareness.

The protective Styrofoam skitters across the floor challenging me to find it. Days later, in the most unlikely spaces, the vacuum cleaner will coax the static filled little white nuisances out of hiding.

Slowly, methodically my husband places the pieces together as instructed. Each time I take a break from the stubborn cardboard I am excited to see the furniture taking shape.

A spring snowstorm passes by, the cold wet snow flakes in too much of a hurry to notice what is happening in our cozy study. The sky brightens and sun shines chasing the remnants of the flurries away.

We continue patiently placing dowels and screwing screws until finally sweet victory. With assembly completed and no leftover pieces it looks great!

My phone rang but I didn’t answer it

we were celebrating

Was it you – hurting?

I didn’t want to be rude

despite the persistent ringing I stayed still

made no move to pick up the jangling device

I wasn’t expecting a call

I wasn’t expecting the interruption

I wasn’t expecting the silence, the hurt, the pain