May 29th

I paired this poem with this picture because 17 years ago was so very different in so many ways. One of those ways was the blossoming of the trees on our front lawn. This year they have just opened up in the past few days. In 2002 they had gone by. I remember this because a sun roof was left open in one of our cars the day Barry died and the next morning the back seat was full of flower petals from this very tree.

May 29th

I’ve had such a
flurry of feelings
today.
That’s not unusual
since today is the last day of
‘weird week’,
which always concludes on this date.
Two birthdays, two death days
come and gone
again,
all while school is winding up
before the slide
 into summer.
But, today seemed sort of magnified
with a range of echoing emotions
that swayed and swirled within.
It wasn’t bad or good,
right or wrong.
I just felt what was there
without a pull to fully understand
why or how or if.
It’s a Wednesday again,
only the second time since 2002.
That likely had something to do
with it, too.
Body memories
are so strong
and wise.
May 29th,
you seem to be ending with
feelings of gratitude and
accomplishment,
combined with a healthy dose of
 sorrow and fatigue.
Good night,
and thank you.
I’ll feel you again
next year.

Sarah Carlson

May 29, 2019