flower to flower

With all the socks matched, I can finally move on with my life. Finishing the laundry released some small tightness I’d been holding since I woke up this morning.

A loaf of sourdough. His first try. One tiny chunk found on the floor tonight, stolen from the counter, nibbled on by cats.

Two haikus pried from the inside of my children’s brains. Starting is hard. They say they can’t think of anything but I think their minds are swimming with ideas. They just don’t know how to catch one yet. So I sit beside them, tapping the forthcoming Google Slides, asking juicy questions while one writhes on the floor saying I can’t think of anything!!! and the other climbs top bunk to play a game called Cotton Candy.

I dislike the afternoon shift.

Finally, an idea sticks. We count out the 5 syllables on our hands, piecing together a few ideas. Me, asking more questions. 7 more syllables, 5 more still. Even then, I have to push and plead to get the words down onto the paper. When we finally do, they are proud to read their work aloud to one another.

Buzz and drink nectar

Bees give honey to the world

Flower to flower

She love loves dumplings.

Can I watch some tv?, she asks.

Who is it? It’s me!