recent observations, january.

new year, same me.

A desktop covered in pencil shavings,

a tiny book of ten-minute drawings,

an expectant glass of water.

A MOST ANNOYING TO-DO list, struck through with a wash of psychedelic watercolors.

Indoor evergreen branches crisped and curled and more fragrant than ever.

Bronze bulbs pressed into soft soil, waiting, willing, to be tricked into thinking it’s spring.

A steamy bathroom filled with the smell of new soap.

Embroidered names in thrifted jackets

Back-to-school protestations;

one of us lying prostrate on the living room floor.

Kisses on the top of lemongrass-scented heads.

Steam radiators singing the same song in a quiet apartment.

Easing, easing into something someone calls new.