My old friend and I perused the aisles in the thrift store 

Eyeing serving platters and mismatched tea cups 

We reminisced about the days when our children were so little and fit into 2T buffalo plaid flannel shirts like the one hanging on the rack.

Now they buy their own clothing. 

It’s Christmas time, or nearly, and she’ll be hosting my kids for holiday brunch.

But I won’t be there. 

She reached down and picked up a curious thing–a padlock. She said do you need a lock? I replied, “No thank you. I need a key.”

The glass panel door behind my head rattled when you hit it headfirst 

It was not the entryway you thought it was. 

The solid force threw you backwards, left you dazed. But you gathered yourself. 

Shook off your feathers. And launched yourself back into the wind. 

How beautiful to know that your wings are strong enough to fight the gusts.

And that before long, you will find a safer place to land.