Palaver

I have this close friend, Paige.

When I was in college, I had really become quite good at hiding my anxiety and absolutely terror in certain (and several) social situations. No one knew. Maybe my husband knew. But its hard to understand this terror response unless you have it yourself.

And I met this close friend. And she did. And she got me.

A poem mistress herself, she wrote this. Another gift of words.

 LONG WAY

Choosing to let
The highway fend for itself today
I slowly embark on the
Same daily journey
Yet with new eyes
A fearless heart
And an open spirit
The suns bright reflection
Bounding off the white banks of snow
I take back roads
Going no faster than 25 miles per hour
Traveling through the city’s
North end
Which is stigmatized for
gang violence, drugs and poverty
I think it is beautiful
Charming
Colorful
Business signs in Spanish
Flags from West India
Mothers with toddlers
Hurrying across the street
Each with a delicate purse in hand
A man with a bright red winter cap
Walks in the middle of the road
Penguin-like in his confident steps
Over ice and snow
Breathing freely today
I savor the long way