august 19, 2025

the park was gutted like your gums were today.

they took your teeth as they took the alligator, the red truck, the yellow tunnel, the blue and black swings. nothing but a bloody hole there, an expanse of dirt here.

I struggle not to cry in front of the boys. I struggle with forgiveness, with the temptation to not forgive.

at bedtime, he has me repeat the prayer four times for him, like he knows its what my heart needs to soften.

as I walk to the water, I see that some of the wildflowers have grown tall as trees.