a day spent in a classroom
hot and stiff and
listening to talk of
marketing and surveys,
recessions and the
importance of good bookkeeping...

santa claus parade tonight
sitting on a sleeping bag
with ten
while 14 watches with her boyfriend
{but just down the street from us}
S. beside me
in his work coveralls
and me in his handknit earflap hat...

spaghetti for supper
before the parade...
watching out the window
with excitement
for the flashing lights,
too-crunchy-garlic-bread...

hot chocolate
and toast
when we get home...

warm slippers...
pajama pants...
the click clack of keys
the winding down
of a monday night
at home...