Intangible Greetings

Choosing Laughter

The days are shorter and the air cooler now.

There,

 at the top of the hill,

 is our warm,

 comfortable home.

A place we nurse wounds,

shed tears,

laugh if we can.

Sheltered from rain,

we read books,

write stories and play board games.

We’ve grown to appreciate the way the birds sing.

We’re grateful hospitals send us home,

because we’ve known young people

sent to hospice.

Yeah, young ones.

Believe it.

And fresh faces who passed while sleeping.

It happens.

They looked healthy....

We might complain on a sofa asking for a tea.

Flowers entertain our aching bones.

Trees sway near the window,

the dogs make a fuss,

visiting grand kids giggle on the stairs.

Someday,

there’s the promise of a better place.

I’m bundled up imagining it.

Cozier,

filled with love,

and those traveling before us.

Higher,

much, much higher,

with expansive panoramic views.

No tears,

or pain.

We won’t need doctors anymore

probably not even tea,

              and complaining will be a thing of the past.

              Until that time--

              each time I drive

              or walk up that little hill--

              my heart fills with immense anticipation,

              bubbling with appreciation,

              for stucco walls,

              a tile roof.

             Where I can cry if I feel like crying,

             or choose to laugh.

             Where I can be thankful,

             for another cool day--

             in Autumn.

Eve Gaal

Copyright 2017