“Those look yummy. Are they good here?” The woman in line asked as I picked up my order of onion rings.  “Yes, they are really good,” I smiled back at her. I sat down with my hot A&W parcel, excited to take that first bite of crunchy, fried onion.  The woman in line got her order and sat at a table across from me. I saw her open her bag as excitedly as I had mine. Maybe she got the onion rings, too. As she bit into something delicious, I recognized her anticipation and enjoyment. Her body seemed to sigh and relax. She ate, slouched and comforted.  A few rings…

Walking into the pool area, I checked for an open lane to swim. I spotted the one against the far wall and chose it for the same reason I hug the edge of my bed at night and never take the last cookie on the plate. It’s a comfort to be out of people’s way on occasion. In the lane next to me, a chiseled youth in a Speedo warmed up his limbs in circus-like positions. Next to him, were two high school girls sharing a lane, cutting through the water like twin knives sliding through softened butter.  I slid into the water, suddenly aware of my leg stubble and…

“The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing.” Isaiah 35:1-2 There’s a crocus in the garden It’s hiding in the snow The ground is white and barren Who knew life lay below? Unlikeliest of cradles A birth against the odds Golden are its petals  And all the earth applauds.  Why plant me in this ground, I cry I want to stretch my legs Where is life within this plot?  I am miserable in my lot. Snow is not what I expected Gold to blossom from Green grass I would have…