when full attention and acceptance met the
ironing board    life expanded like a bliss
bomb    a pocket full of marbles    into other
areas    meeting needs    outcomes    the last
brush stroke    or the one leading to many
along with enthusiasm a joy of creating –
accomplishment    connecting with quietude
and knowledge beyond all bluster –
but on another level:

friends confided    we were worried about
you    my interests had digressed beyond
theirs    they feared change    the unknown
I remember the time she murmured under
her breath while eating dessert    I’m tired
I’ll have to go to bed    a shared philosophy
(not one that would be expected to upset
digestion)    had rattled her cage    leading to
quick     polite farewelling of guests