With EQUAL parts despair and relief, I CAVED in and gave over to just stopping. Sick of feeling helpless, I close my computer. I adjust the DRAPE of my my shawl and lean back into the chair. The SHADE of the patio umbrella feels protective, and under its embrace I focus on the present moment. I am struggling with that shift, though, longing for some clever or wise ADAGE that will aid me in making meaning of this moment in history. Finally giving up, I pick up the clippers and my trowel. The garden, at least, feels manageable.

Georg’ann

Saturday I pulled out the CD player,
listened to old collections.
MUSIC from friendships, courtships,
commitment celebrations, parenting,
kitchen dancing music, car riding music,
pensive nostalgic soundtracks,
buoyant freedom singing aloud tunes.

On my PLATE was nothing,
a huge expanse of time to be nowhere.
To do nothing. GRADE A+ time alone.
Minus the weakness and nausea.
A day full of ADAGE potential.
No end to pithy statements
on solitude
or illness
on connection
or contentment

Heather