I told her about the leaf
blowing in the wind
and she replied that the leaf is then
subject to the wind's whims...

but, as I consider the leaves spiraling
in gorgeous brilliant hues of
cascading joy...

the leaves are free
the leaves dance down
fulfilling their purpose
and leaves do not know fear,
they do not chart their course
before their fall.

Most days I don't recall your face
Life continues its steady pace
Anniversaries slip
A passing, a blip
The void between the beats
as my heart repeats.

I found a ladybug in a crack, caught, on the floor.
I waited for it to climb onto my hand.
A woman hands me my attorney's phone number.
I offer her the ladybug in exchange, asking her to free it.
So it won't be locked up.
She leaves...

Nearby,
a toilet flushes.

Standing alone,
trying to quell
ignorance and insensitivity with
gentle suggestions which
meet resistance
again.

Standing together,
Talking of
Issues while
Gathering wisdom
Makes a way
Appear

Stand,
tall and strong,
independent and empowered,
grasp the god given rights
many try to pry
away.