Smallstone#16 there's no such thing

there's no such thing as a quiet house;
and then the refrigerator stops whirring
and the dryer shuts off
and the animals are at rest-
oh.

Smallstone #15

15a)
textured mauve queen anne recliner
winter sun penetrates cotton, no regard of frigid air
watching the self cherishing;
no judgement, no commentary.

15b)
cupping the back of my head with your knowing hand-
I am home

Small stone #14 the cats won't leave...

the cats won't leave each other alone,
Lucy's looking for hand-outs,
savoring the brine stained kalamata -
pit.

Smallstone #13 the light surprise

sun pours in the kitchen window,
cheese grater explodes with light,
small stone becomes my guide.

Smallstone #12 the emptied sycamore

the emptied scyamore, swaying with grace;
"there there...there there..."

Small Stone #11mint, camphor, cajaput...

camphor, cassia, cajaput, mint and olive oils are my allies tonight.
the sun sets,
the wind howls,
and the magic unguent sings through the epidermis.

Smallstone #10 sweet spice and rind...

sweet spice and rind of orange

co-mingle with boiling water

several sips taken

tea merges with hot flash,

how timely