Some reasons for joy.

After a clare shaw prompt and an after of Ocean Vuong

Because the bluebells are out late, and in force,
and the woods are ringing -

because my daughter has shared five documents with
me, all about horses,
all of which I must print,
and all the titles are questions,
What does a grey horse mean?

because I still have so many questions.
Because riding the train into the city
shows the city to be spectacular
like silver steel pine trees and dirt and women in neon
crop tops
which I am not yet brave enough to wear;

because I can do some small good
and because I love the word ‘alight’
and because one day I will make sourdough
when it’s unfashionable
and because the car is hot when I get in
like soft baked air -

because a baked potato and cheese sauce
restores my balance and good humour
and because some of my feelings are tiredness
and I can sleep, and make them better.

V Napolitano