the world after.

"There are things you can't reach.

But you can reach out to them, and all day long."

- Mary Oliver

 ***

my dad has been in the hospital.

for six.

long.

white-walled.

medicinal-smelling.

sleepless.

weeks.

and it's been a ride like no other.

thankfulness.

bursts from me.

as we look for him to return home.

in the next week.

and i'm slowly.

remembering.

what life is like.

the smell of fresh coffee grounds.

warm, blueberry-speckled breakfast.

poetry that comforts.

like a hug.

*

for the first time.

in over a month.

i spent a morning.

on the porch.

in a sun-rise beam.

admiring the world.

after a blue moon.