I wanted to SHOUT, so relieved was I to get off the PLANE. This had been a long and tense flight. I really regretted the way I had packed, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something could still go wrong. Calling on the last vestiges of my patience, I made my way to baggage claim. Confident that I would recognize my suitcase from its LABEL and the colorful DECAL I had recently added, I idly thumbed through messages on my phone. Glancing up, it took me a moment to realize that someone else was grabbing my bag. Springing into action, I started after them. To my surprise, they started to run. What?? I picked up speed and tried to imagine what the heck was going on. My mind (and my body!) was racing, this made no sense. Yelling and running – sheesh why don’t people get out of the way??? There was no way anyone else knew what was in that bag. Surely this was an innocent mistake, but I am so screwed if it is intentional and they know about the artifact.

Georg’ann

Today is one for PAUSE.
Noticing how the gold and brown tones
of the wood grains in the coffee table
are reflected in my pant fabric
and the fur of the cat sleeping
on my legs, resting on the table.
We are still life.

The scent of warm BREAD and peonies
move in with my breath.
Siberian Iris line the path.
These ephemeral, delicate beauties
so sturdy in their brief display
are the flower I might like to be.

Out of the corner of my eye
I see the marathon MEDAL
you won, when your energies
could be exerted, extended
endured over long hauls.
Not constricted within confines
of a bodily rebellion, bursting out
in displays less rewarding.

Tomorrow I take flight
mostly know where I’m headed.
Yet fear hitting clear glass
on a window I can’t see.
Wish for a reflective DECAL,
the kind that protect birds,
to keep me intact.

Heather