Neko Case singing from the speakers...

Perfect Tacoma day.
The tree is down. We swept up its remains for what felt like hours, green needles everywhere.
Christmas decorations have been put in their propper places.
Portraits are back up. Pink throw on the coffee table.

We partied with the best of the city today at Viola's first birthday.
Artists and mommas, bike riders and glass blowers...
Ate cupcakes and drank cider from plain white mugs.
Got hugs from children we used to be.

We opened the windows and aired out our long beige walls.
There is the sound of something saute'ing in the kitchen.
And I am trying to give into the thought of something real and fabulous.
I am able to not ruin it - I tell myself.
Over and over and over again...

I slept for twelve hours and awoke to gray skies, calls from those I don't see much anymore.
Kept my head to the pillow and emerged...I needed to find a card that made music.
I brought home bagels and orange juice and we discussed "parenting" around the kitchen table.
We walked down city streets recalling days of sunshine.
We let our skin show anyway.