journal fragment (1/28/24):

please don’t let me take for granted

how the late afternoon sunlight turns the mountain from white to pink

how the first breath i took here was cold and fresh, like spearmint gum

and how it rained when i took my first steps outside

don’t let me forget the way i cried when my head first hit my pillow

and how all i wished for that 11:11 was a good night’s sleep

the sun has set now, and the mountain is white again

but it always comes back around

the sweet juice stains my lips

and i am grateful to be here

to eat, drink, celebrate and enjoy

while you watch

watching, always watching

i offer you my empty cup and ask for water

you fill it up with wine