How many memories and smells can our hearts hold? 

Today when the sparkling cider was opened to toast the bride and groom my Aunt Gertie snuck out with the fizz. She pressed her fingers still wet from washing dishes onto the folder marked marriage license and I had to look away. 

She was a woman I think of as good. A robust orchard worker though she owned the trees outright. Who can own such a thing? she'd ask while making pies that filled our mouths and bellies. 

Who can own things as complex and simple as apples or trees?

I was thrilled she came to visit today. It's been too long I said to the sky and the sun straining against stained glass windows, it's been too long a time.
xo

This photo captures my yesterday. I wish something close for you. I want times like this to be abundant and me to know how blessed I am to have them. 

Tiny Coves

The day I cry

I laugh

wake up from dreams so vivid

I am surprised to still be here

I should be in Ohio

pulling you and the wagon behind

battening down hatches

tucking treasures into tiny coves

so they not break

surprised

to see the crystal chandelier

still hanging

whole

surprised to see your shoes

on the window ledge

my body next to yours

It’s harder to see the butterflies

on the honeysuckle

through the tears

hard to smell the lilacs

one eye blurs

tears are thunder

skirting around fire

rain hangs in the air

grows heavy like taffy

something to chew on

hope for sweetness

the rain when it falls

opens its hands

throws water down

makes grasses grow

me wondering why