La Vie Quotidienne

  • Words

    He didn’t brush the hair from in front of her ear as much as caress it to better display the earrings he’d given her for their anniversary Without a word his brief gesture spoke leagues about their relationship and his feelings. How is it that a cup of tea or a touch can say it…

  • Treasures

    At the end of the second floor hall was a step (up) and door leading to the third floor Among the small spaces created by the eaves I could hide and feel snug except Just before Christmas when it was off limits Straight ahead the attic peak held a random assortment of boxes, suitcases, furniture…

  • We

    After days (and nights) of constant activity I sink into your chair the bigness of your flannel robe softly folded around me Cat jumps into my lap and we surrender cocooned in the warm leather How long could I feign ignorance of your absence? Hurry home

  • Rhythms

    Words come framed, measured, controlled – ‘I have some bad news” how else is there to say it? Bad news is always bad I answer in kind (and it is never enough) how else is there to respond? and we reflect, philosophize (chase guilt?) we are adults Long ago December my father lay, dying of…

  • The God Heart

    Playfully she folded her hands around his proposing marriage (though he was almost a generation removed) then just as quickly distanced herself from the thought tossing a little laugh over her shoulder This wisp of a child turned her back early on convention – instead held court with small wooden hearts special stones, crystal rocks…

  • Scraps

    1 June Journey back home it all began in California. before we left. Hope Remember when the world was not big enough and somedays were only whispered musings on a summer evening? what made this place any different from a hundred other places? Feelings of anticipation and uncertainty we are finally going home. a little…

  • Rituals

    We lay there – I, draped along the sofa while she curls herself inside the bend of my legs They, by contrast, stand sentry seated side by side in the large chair near the fireplace poised. ready Over and over we replay this scene – Coco and me, Annie and my husband They inevitably glance…

  • Gifts

    When my first cat died I cried as if my heart would break mourning though they did not find her until the next day My small, thin body lay arms pulled close trying in vain to hold me together I can touch the pain as if it were yesterday We played and rode bikes sneaked…