To breakfast

When I went out this morning, the yard was full of fat robins, prospecting for the emoluments of a weather break. I was going to a friend's house, and we were going to breakfast together. Her yard was full of crows, cawking derisively and only reluctantly clearing a path for my car.

This day was for the birds, it seems.

We were contrary, though, and went to Country Cat. We both had eggs Benedict with shaved ham, and coffee. She had a cough, and a Bloody Mary. The drink was lunch: a thin slice of jerky, green beans, an olive - I don't know what all! It was an amazing drink.

But the conversation, the connection, was the best.

Like so many people I know, she's better than she thinks she is, more skilled, more gifted, more aware. She knows herself better than she likes to admit.

I sometimes wish these old eyes could be shared
so you could see yourself as I see you,
your shining intelligence, your passion, your heart.
Maybe then you'd have the courage
to reach for the job, the partner, the life
that would bring fulfillment, peace and joy.