To Olivia

Every year, Carnegie Writers hosts a conference for writers of all skill. Sometimes, the presenters will have activities during their sessions. This November, while I was in Nashville for the conference, we were tasked with writing a poem. We had to choose a partner and create three questions for them (making them as lyrical as possible). We then took their answers and our choice of one bird, plant, and color to create a poem. Below is what I wrote for this exercise.
—————

The lorikeets at the zoo fly around your heads

Chatting, laughing, connecting with each other and the nectar from your cup

Sharing in your belly-deep laughter, the nectar of your love,

Finding each other as you were found

The rushing of wings like that of water, purple in the changing light

Shift alongside memory, ever moving, rushing, renewing like the lotus.

An evening of childlike wonder, interrupted by accidents and pain,

Saved by the simple joy of chewing gum.

Down the river, across the sea; old and new joys come together.