My father-in-law says to the empty room
(his hand gesticulating)
“That’s the place where all the people
yesterday and before came,
they were dancing,
they started a dance there”

While the clear tones of Appalachian Spring
soar from the radio
and I did just dance
here in the next room
because I couldn’t help it

Outside, blossom petals
carpet the streets with grace,
not caring if it’s sun or rain

It feels like it’s been
a long and tenuous time
but here I am,
where I belong,
hoping to take with me
next time I go
something like the memory of birds wheeling
to help me find my way back.

©Wendy Mulhern
April 26, 2017