My neighbor carefully paints the edge of her car’s trunk with white out
because the too-small-to-notice scratch interrupts her well-manicured
desire for perfection
Another neighbor tosses water balloons across the spring lawn to her daughter
because the beaches are closed and they yearn to feel the surprise of
water splashing on skin
My elderly neighbor walks her white-haired toy poodle on the usual 4 p.m. route
because it gives them the nostalgia of normal, a small taste of freedom embraced by fresh air
Across the alley, a neighbor spins milkweed into monarchs, releasing them as blessings because she wants to remind the world that with tender love and compassion life will endure
Cathy Standiford writes “activist poetry,” essays on social justice and issues affecting women and girls, and the occasional song. A retired city manager and local government consultant, Cathy is also a volunteer mentor for WriteGirl, a non-profit community of women writers that promotes creativity and self-expression to empower teen girls. She is a long-standing member of Soroptimist, an international volunteer organization committed to advancing the economic empowerment of women and girls through access to education.
In addition to writing and volunteering, Cathy enjoys reading, knitting, cooking and walking with her husband, John.
View all posts by Cathy Standiford
Thank you. Lovely images.
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I love this all over again💜
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