Just
lately I’m learning
To store up the good parts of each day
To try to catch sunbeams in jars
Today, for instance
The barista asked me
If I wanted honey in my tea
And instead of answering him
I asked him if it would cost me extra
And he answered, Not for you
When he handed me my tea
It was warm, even through the paper sleeve
But his smile was warmer still
And it warmed me through and through
As I sat and sipped on the memory
Sweet, like honey
So maybe it can be like this at night
When I’m lying in the dark and the day is over
Maybe I can bring each good thing to mind
And taste honey on my tongue, lingering
Earlier today
We had been walking back from the chapel
Throwing words around like snowballs
Playful, but still stinging
And just when things started to get personal
You stepped in, like a moving target
Like referee and goalkeeper all in one
Turning the spotlight to your face
So that I could get some relief
Thank you, I mouthed
And you smiled a knowing smile
And I felt protected, like you were holding me
And when you smiled, I saved the twinkle in your eye
To place gently into my jar of good things
Nestled snugly in with the pressure of a hand holding mine
And with a compliment about the pants I had hemmed
With my professor agreeing with me in front of the whole class
With buying myself a cardigan with flowers all over it, on a whim
And listening to a musical soundtrack on the way to school
And honey in my tea
I spill it all out now, over the dark comforter
Little stars in a bright sky
And I resist the urge to count them all—
Who can number the stars?—
But I stare and stare and stare
Until I can see the brightness against my closed eyelids
Until I can close my eyes and see the sun
And I can sleep till morning comes
