(the trick to)

the trick to
surviving traffic:
good music

© 2006 Amy E. Hall

Invisible Scab

Like a scab that covers
a wound until the new
skin arrives, silently,
overnight, a protective
covering has appeared
on my wounded heart to
guard it while You heal
the hurt with Your strong,
tender hand. I feel the
invisible shield keeping
me from further injury as
You mend me from within.

© 2006 Amy E. Hall

Snow Garden

Our yard was a garden
of snow and our father
was the gardener. He
made snow forts and
an obstacle course of
sorts for my sisters and
me in the front yard one
winter. It was an exciting
adventure, and a little
bit scary, but I felt safe
knowing that Dad was
guiding the sled and
guarding the fort. I still
remember his laugh
that day as we squealed
with delight, holding tight
to the orange, plastic sled.

© 2006 Amy E. Hall

Acrocats

Cats can contort their
bodies in such curious
configurations. Whether
for bathing, hunting,
napping or recreational
purposes, they can be
seen in the most peculiar
forms. I am convinced
that cats would make
incredible gymnastic
competitors -- curvy,
little acrobats with keen
eyesight, magnificent
agility and nine lives apiece.

© 2006 Amy E. Hall

Thanksgiving Traffic

Three miles in an
hour and a half --
bumper-to-bumper
interstate congestion and
stomach indigestion,
angry drivers with
hungry kids, no
exit in sight, and
no explanation.
Arrivals delayed;
hugs and hand-
shakes on hold;
dinners postponed.
It was easy to get
irritated and impatient,
until we saw
the white sheet
on the ground.
Suddenly, we were
thankful for the
fume-filled air that
we were breathing.

© 2006 Amy E. Hall

From One Keyboard to Another

Sometimes, when I have my
headphones on at work, I
find myself typing in rhythm
to the tunes tapping their
way into my eardrums. Bobbing
my head to the beat and
hitting the keys in syncopation,
I feel almost as if I am a part of
the album orchestration flares,
fills and frills. I wonder if my
co-workers notice as I nod up
and down, rolling my fingers
on the black keys. I smile and
continue punching the keys like
a piano keyboard, in time and tempo.

© 2006 Amy E. Hall

(in the plastic wrapper)

in the plastic wrapper:
half of a fortune cookie;
half of a fortune

© 2006 Amy E. Hall

(traffic)

traffic --
minutes in car: 30
miles traveled: 0

© 2006 Amy E. Hall

(cat in a frenzy)

cat in a frenzy:
from the window --
watching falling leaves

© 2006 Amy E. Hall

Dichotomy

Half of my week
is spent
missing you desperately.
The other half
is spent
remembering that I
can't
trust you.

© 2006 Amy E. Hall