The wonky old aluminum window,
austere and squealing for mercy,
would only rise a few inches.
But it was enough.

Cheek to sill,
nose to screen,
breathing;
a whole body experience.
Morning wrestles night in quiet combat.

Damp earth,
cool comfort from day’s heat.
Insects hustle to close up shop,
before birds arrive for breakfast.
Caffeinated traffic whines beneath tar strip staccato.

My once lush hair,
now thistledown,
dances in the flirty breeze.