in a hot town house

on the east side

we built a fort upstairs

in the middle of summer

and watched movies

and drank Canada House with tea.

it was lovely,

the essence spilling out

in waves

as the sound of the birds chirping

echoed through the window

and we dressed elegantly

and cooked a fancy meal.

family dinners.

*** and orange juice

while we cooked.

and smooth jazz while we ate.

i haven't felt that alive

in quite some time.