Random Memories

Earliest memory: following a man with a shiny, bald head down the hallway of what would be our new home. I was two years old.

Around three, I collected roly-poly bugs with my neighbor, John, and tried to sell them to passers-by on the street.

Also at three: we moved to the country. I remember walking through grass higher than my head.

At twenty two I got married to my closest friend.

At ten, my family moved to a different state to make a new start.

At eight, Daniel always chose me to be Daisy when we played The Dukes of Hazard at recess.

At nine, I ignored Jeff when he called for help after a bike wreck (I never knew why I did this.)

At thirty four, I am happy to find a field of grass growing higher than my head.

At seventeen, I got a horse on Christmas day. At the time I thought it was the best gift ever.

Memories of a New Year Holiday

Unable to sleep we strolled
through Hyde Park.
Past midnight. Streetlights wore
a dull halo in the misty rain.

We had a hotel in Earl's Court
three stories up. And you climbed
out the window and down the back wall
into the locked garden, to retrieve something I had dropped

It was the first time in my life
that I started each day with coffee or hot tea.
Cupping that steaming warmth in a travel mug
and walking off into the rain!

We spent an entire afternoon sitting on a railing
making sketches of London Bridge, a lamp post,
and people milling in the street.
We shared a set of colored pencils between us.

New Year's Eve was:
Supper at a corner resturant
a watch night service at St. Paul's
and riding the underground free of charge.

Unable to sleep we strolled
through Hyde Park.
Past midnight. Streetlights wore
A dull halo in the misty rain.