My Sister Has Cancer
I’m going to see my sis today.
She loves when I tell
her stories. [Laugh.] So I’m
wearing my fossil bracelet with
a chambered nautilus [66 million
years old]; Amber [I’ll make up
a date]; A shark tooth — not a fossil.
Robbie’s Remedy
Robbie knew there were wild animals in the forest; there were hairy boars with sharp white tusks and hungry wolves that would eat you for dinner. However, the little boy was so desperate for some courage that he’d do anything, even if it meant killing a snake or running faster than any other animal.
Zoological Capers
From the start it was evident that my guide, Tony, would have been much happier working on his own. He only spoke to me to bark instructions. He barely made eye contact and didn’t respond to any pleasantries at all.
Coffee Ritual
Always the same large cups, mine from Fretboard and his from Trailhead.
Always the same dance of the mugs, clinking the ceramic, the scalding first sip.
The coffee is a ritual of purpose, of togetherness.
Of starting a day, and taking on a responsibility for myself and another person.
Something I chose and continue to choose.
Ready, Set, Ski!
Well before dawn on Sunday, there was a call coming up the stairs, growing closer and louder, “Who’s a skier?” Then a not too gentle knock on the door — BAM BAM BAM. And another call, retreating down the stairs, “The car is leaving in 15 minutes…”
February 23, 2025
When the endless labour ahead tormented him, Yannis told himself to remember cycling up long hills when instead of looking ahead to the summit, he panted with desire to reach the top and freewheel down. He looked at the kerbstones and counted mortar joints, and when he rested, he found himself surprised at how far he had climbed.
