Puccini Stop

Briskly walking, I hear a male voice shout, "Puccini! Puccini!!" As if it’s a Siri command on my Iphone, an aria from Tosca plays in my head. "Vissi d'arte", Tosca sings passionately, "I lived for art, I lived for love ..."

The music builds. My heart beats faster. Some part of me is pushing, “gotta get to work…” Just then, I hear, "Puccini! STOP!!"

The interior music sharply ceases. I stop. The silence opens as my breath settles. I hear birds chirping nearby. A man reaches down to pick up his panting dog. We stand still for a moment. Then, I quickly move on.

Morning 4 Steps

My nephew Eli puts up this list on the frig as 3 cats race to the kitchen for feeding time. He and I are the only humans up in the house. We move in silence.

Curious, I get closer. I read it and say quietly, "I like how step 4 is optional." Turning to face Eli, I can't help but smile. He's grinning in the way only a Cheshire Cat can...