by Linda

The house is clean

It gleams

Dust does not dare to settle on my windowsill

Chores are done and it’s still early morning

This used to cause joy, excitement

The feeling of freedom from have to and must do

The freedom to choose among many pleasant pastimes

But now there are no:

Lunches at 12

Meetings at 2

Parties at 6

Shopping trips

What’s left?

A different kind of freedom

I take my time tickling the cat’s belly

I pause to watch the birds peck at the feeder

And I track the progress of the green as it spreads across

My trees, shrubs, and flower beds

All seem happy, strong and sweet

And more beautiful than I have ever seen

Strangely, I am happy too!

I like this new freedom