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ontario trippin'

Writer: Elizabeth AnnElizabeth Ann

my life's first

best friend across the

country, her

life unknown

to me for just a moment

longer: the journey 


      (holidays begin way before they start.

praise be pre-trip therapy sessions and

            sacred souls holding space for my fears)

...

here I go,

above clouds with faith,

a stitch project, book, sweets, and 

claustrophobia


I was not 

one of the people

gasping when

plane tires bounced 

on the runway while landing:

an accomplishment


arrival videotaped: hugs & laughter,

sister synthesis (minus 1) in another

province captured. our marrow fused in stars

...

how is it that all

these trees and canyons exist

in city limits?

adorning each home

are prolific green spaces:

floral & foliage 

       (the wonder, the awe, the longing, the neighbors talking to their plants)


I have a theory that following 

a stressful event, those in verdant 

areas calm sooner; cortisol 

levels reduced & mental wellness 

supported by lush environment.  I don't know if there's been actual

research on this (assuming yes), but

I do know I am brimming over

with disdain for prairie landscape

...

endearing

vicious kitty, sweet

Oliver,

a handsome

menace, subdues the wild beast

that is my slippered feet

...

how divinely joyful sister's supported 

by the world's loveliest humans; souls that feel

like sunshine, authenticity, & devotion

...

memories;

the animal of 

intimate

reminders,

stitched together with ache and 

loving persistence 

         (holy territory, her teal veranda)

...

even from

across the country 

he grounds me,

wraps me in

tenderness, our bound

togetherness transcendent 

and much beloved 

          companion plants, indeed

...

the most beautiful 

song I've ever heard was sung 

by a cardinal.

the next morning, I

recognized him by birdsong

before I saw him.

in gosling garden,

sister delighted with her

cardinal sighting

in a few months, my red friends will adorn christmas quilting 

cotton & I'll buzz with awed reverence having finally seen them. 

...

the folly of reunion: that there silo 

looks like a pecker & giggly perpetual

disappointment that troy's toys is not a sex shop 

    (oh, the laughter

         oh, the lightheartedness

               oh, don't mind me, just putting my labia back in my skirt) 

... 

the turning

lane exists for a 

reason! she 

exclaims while 

sisters giggle in response 

to driver passion

...

an understatement:

referring to niagara 

falls as majestic

a journey: behind 

the falls uncovered raw depths 

of thankful wonder 

a reality:

everything comes with a cost -

joy now, rest after.

a sky performance:

italian aerobatics;

delightful surprise.

a disclaimer:

clifton hill gift shops

smell like all the worst parts of 

capitalism 

...

sisters be 

like serve, laugh, hurt, cry, 

and then hold

hands as protection

           (sacred support),

validate beasts from childhood,

& celebrate the wins 

...

how does an arbor

enthusiast properly 

praise this world of trees? 

me, a tree lover,

center of katsura grove;

enduring glory. 

a love song: beech, oak,

honey locust, hickory, 

maple, mayberry. 

...

the walk across academic stage captured by loved

ones there & those watching livestream, raptured.

supper & sentiment & celebrate

...

second chances to

witness opal rainbow dance

above endless blue

...

I try but cannot sleep prior.

I sleep in

airports & on

planes, and then for eighteen hours

once I arrive home  

...

a rainy morning drive home

less sad than when I left,

inspired to write this poem

about how I've been blessed.


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Rejoice always, Pray without ceasing, Give thanks in all circumstances 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

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