A.G.E's Joint

  Another year with us Something blessed Let's celebrate The serendipity of meeting Some forty years ago We make the wish for another Even though it may not be.

Doorbell rings Another neighbor Another casserole Another set of condolences Wish they would go away. The era ended Picking through the macaroni Looking at the fire Maybe I shouldn't have wished to be alone

 Pit. Pat. They don't know I slipped out of the garage. I saw the feeder from the window. It must be inspected. I look around the corner. Squirrel doesn't see me yet Let me crouch down One Two... Hey! I wanted to be the big hunter. Back into the house Next to my box Don't need to go. I guess I'll attack the catnip mouse. Squirrel would have been better.

Sitting on Daddy's lap  Holding the stick.  Eyes blinking against the smoke Red-orange fingers licking white sugar Slowly turning black Light brown squares on the table Waiting for molten goodness A tap on her arm Stick pulls back Squeeze squares together One Two  Three Blow Delicious