My first step was into the storm,
hoodie on in the heat & humidity,
a slower descent into the unknown
than I used to take, but my knees
aren't as strong as they used to be.
These days, the plunge into puzzling
starts with a gangway, a ramp, being
pulled aside by a customs agent for
additional screening and a moment to
rest my legs. A three hour drive to
wait in the driveway
and a three hour nap
face down in a borrowed bed.
An evening around an unfamiliar table
in easy conversation, learning
how pieces fit, how years only
matter as they're passing, and
how detours are necessary
for a worthwhile journey.