I Return to the Grape Arbor (2/2025)

I lay blessings 

upon myself like the blanket of white beauty that lies 

out the window. I lay them upon myself unlike  

the blessings I never took up as a lonely child 

sitting in the grape arbor - 

blessings that melted the cold around me.  

I am remembering the

sunlight sifting thru grape leaves.

I, hidden in the woody vines

climbing up the neighbors light blue garage.

I, sitting in the grape arbor -

sheltered - off the ground - held by

twisting vines out of view

questioning that that which was holy

was somewhere else. 

I, certain that it was all here, that that which is 

holy is all here. This is it. 

In the grape arbor, my blood I could see

thru my skin, the sunlight in the colors 

of my eyelashes. I am in the grape arbor again.