I don’t often think about the PLACE where I grew up. But I can easily conjure up the experience of standing in the driveway. It was the spot where I learned to orient to the cardinal directions. This is such a strong memory that I return to it as needed, remembering the PEARL-like tints of the sunrise to my right and the rich reds and purples of the sunset to my left. From the same spot, I could admire the carpet created by the crab-apple tree, its threatening thorny branches belied by each soft pink PETAL. The same spot also served as a gateway to joy, as I would PEDAL my bike up and down our dirt road. Pure exhilaration with the wind whipping my hair as I zoomed down one side, using momentum to get me halfway up the other side. If I close my eyes right now, I can almost feel the sandy gravel under my bare feet, full of possibility and wonder.

Georg’ann

How ALIKE we are becomes CLEAR
you write to me of the starlit dusk
as I send you a picture
of the same sky
Reentering our shared orbit
with gestures as soft
as a velvety rose PETAL
in hues of apricot, coral, and pink
Once again riding a bicycle
built for two, each foot
steady on its PEDAL
moving together in one direction

Heather