longer

hope is air being drawn in, touching your palate, snaking between your teeth, filling your chest

disappointment is the pause before gravity’s elevator cable snaps

then comes the Hollow
the acceptance
the justification
the Quiet

scars are classic cars preserved in my garage, polished waxed and waiting

waiting
waiting
waiting

for the right season to take her out for spin

trust is a flight of stairs you can climb or descend
or fall to your death … blood will pool from your pretty head whether marble or wood

endurance is a pickle, lasting far too long in the brine

faith is a wish that reality wasn’t predictable

tenacity is the wilted piece of lettuce restaurants place under your order

chance is a penny right side up and you STOP

remember the Quiet
hear the gentle plink as it strikes against the Hollow

pick it up, bring it Home, put it in the vase
and take a deep breath

inhale the tulips

Hoping they’ll last a little longer this time