Changed my tactics.

Stopped tugging with Knox.

Held out an open hand.

Knox dropped his toy

into my outstretched hand.

There could be a life lesson here.

JDG

Outside my window

there’s a frenzy of flying things:

wasps and bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

I watch for a moment and then

let myself be transported to another realm.

I close my eyes and settle in for a sweet afternoon nap.

No flapping is needed.

JDG

As I get older

an unexpected, gently

spreading calm has grown.

It doesn’t mean life’s problems

have been solved or that

tension and drama have fled

the scene, but somehow

I’m becoming aware of

calm’s presence even

there and learning to root myself

in the settled spaces in between.

JDG

The tiniest of baby deer

strolled across our lawn this morning,

its watchful mother by its side:

an old and sacred story.

JDG