this afternoon

The plastic bag in the tree at the very top, the wind -- I thought someone walked behind me.
My cheeks and my chin so cold, windy ice. I liked it that way, so that the warm would feel warmer.
Art supplies, baking supplies. I found both places and went inside to look, and see prices. Inside the cafe, so glad and warm, happy and warm, I sat with hot chocolate and soy, Hemingway's brave imagination, and one of my favourite songs came on. Excuses.
A child would scream in a shrill pitch every five minutes or so. It would startle me each time, even though I expected it. The man in a hat changed the menu sign, and the song changed too -- electric.
I knew I needed to call that job place.
There were decisions coming, and I prayed and prayed and prayed I'd do it right and good for myself.

xx