An eagerly helpful high-schooler, I was wiping off a folding table in my church basement after a potluck or a youth-group fundraiser, surely earning my way into heaven and the good graces of every adult around. A friendly older man told me I was doing a good job. He mumbled, so it was hard to…

I’m just floating in the calm pool. Being in the flow has brought me here. I’ve felt the rush, the exhilaration. And now the water is calm. And I’m just enjoying it. I’m just grinning. I’ve got damp eyes. I’m so lucky. I know, I know. I oscillate between claiming to be the luckiest girl…

Priya is now 6. We went to Elmwood today. On the ride there, she told me it’s close to Irene’s house. It’s not, but Priya argued when I said so. She also argued with me when I pointed out Kim’s house. “That’s not it.” “Yes, it is.” And when we got to Elmwood, the parking…

(Play in the background.)  My old friend. It is so good to sit with you again. It’s been nice to see you around, among gatherings of mutual friends. I’m glad to know you’re doing well, surrounding yourself with people who believe in you the way you deserve to be believed in. I know we’ve had…

My eyelids feel puffy and I know I look tired. In this space we’ve gathered to write. Mel will start some music. Find a beat. Tap your toe. The days I feel I cannot work    or I will surely die I put on some music. I seek a joy from somewhere deep inside. I…

Yes. Close your eyes if you must.The moon is hidden here, pushed away   by the fingers of tree limbs.So stop trying to see.Feel instead.Sweep with your feet the forest floor.   You’ll find the roots.And let your hands reach out   in front of you, zombie-like.You’ll feel the bark of the trees   with your fingers instead of…

(for Leavenworth Neighborhood Exchange, Feb. 2012) This winter I’ve been very into soup. I know, I know. This winter has hardly been cold enough to constitute a need for soup. But I’ve just discovered how great soup can be when you make it from scratch. Many of you probably already know how to do this.…

I heard you blowing your nose two stalls over. I can see the redness of your eyes in the mirror, as we laugh about automatic sensor sinks. I know you were crying, but I don’t know why. And I know you don’t want me to ask because you’re at work, and you can’t keep crying.…

You helped get me out of there. And now you’re hiring me to help you, who has it all together. But maybe you don’t. Maybe you’ve had help along the way, too. It’s not paying it forward. It’s paying it all around … throwing the money in the air and laughing and dancing. Because like…

I fought the listless and the heavy. The not-knowingness. The immobility. I pushed it back with caffeine and music and yoga poses and booty shakes and air punches. Hi-ya.