When feeling unsettled and in need of reassurance, I sometimes find it helpful to run an errand. It might seem a little odd that I find PEACE and tranquility in a SHORT trip to the grocery store. But, really, the familiarity of the space, the casual interactions with others, and the sense of being an adult (I and I alone decide what I will eat!) all add up to a release of existential angst. Nothing says “be here now” quite like the assessment of avocados (is this the WRONG one? is it about to go bad) or choosing how much FLOUR to buy.

Georg’ann

In a BREAK with tradition
my daughter is not coming
home for any winter holidays.
There is no lament for her
choice, only admiration
twinged with bittersweet
as she claims her adulthood,
wisely expressing desires
for rest, for ease, for nesting.
Merrymaking of their own making.

I imagine FROST on her windows
Garlands up the banister,
twinkles and trinkets everywhere.
Pups running across the FLOOR
chasing whatever is thrown.
Cozied up in chenille blankets
hot cocoa in hand. A dusting
of FLOUR still clinging to her
cheek, having brushed her hair
aside while baking cookies.
Strolling city streets to ooh
and ahh at the light displays.
Friends will arrive, festive.
Games played, magic made.

Heather