There was a time when I took sleep for granted. It simply happened: a rudmentary, basic routine was all I needed for good sleep. This CRUDE approach no longer works. My brain has moments of PANIC in the night due to my breath stopping. I can no longer take sleep for granted. But it is not something that you can beat into submission with a STICK, so to speak. Falling asleep has to be set up, invited in — and oh, this 21st century world, you are not human-sized! With your lights and noise and constant stimulation. I think back to a moment when we lost power, and all gathered around our table, night fell, candles glowed, babies fell asleep without a HITCH, darkness worked her magic like a WITCH, all our bodies attuned to ancient rhythms.

Georg’ann

Halloween Joy on the Square

Large glass windows
of the PLANT STORE, filled.
Leaves like a THICK curtain.
Peeking through is a green face,
grinning from ear to ear.
This little WITCH wants
to look wicked. Impossible.
From the sidewalk I feign fear,
cowering then running out of view.
Feet light, uplifted by innocence.

Heather