Henri Matisse, “Blue Nude” I’ve had three massage therapists over the last twenty years Masseuse One: fifteen years, super cheap, head to toe, loved to talk, which developed into a friendship, which ruined the massages. Masseuse Two: three years, exceptionally skilled, informed healer; inflation floated her above my pocketbook. Masseur One (3): cheap, in a…

Henri Matisse, “Dance” Poor circulation in my feet led me to Cloud Massager bottom rollers up and down, side to side, back and forth bellows open and close my footsies, gripping, randomly going through its routine of ecstasy giving. Please design one for the whole body. I wonder what one for the soul would be…

Henri Matisse, “Interior with Egyptian Curtain” Cats offer us a chance at mindfulness if one is on our lap and we choose not to read, phone surf, or stream. Instead, pet and notice her silky fur, see how her eyes close, listen to her purr as you breathe in lilacs on the breeze.

Henri Matisse, “The Pinapple” [sic] Angel Flies with One Wing Her small, gaunt white figure prays at the garden shoppe. I write her a poem. She stays with me through the weekend. Monday, I buy her; bring her home, wheel-barrow to patio, she falls. Broken, she flies with one wing.

Henri Matisse, “The Blue Window” Raindrops have speckled the windows this morning. I wonder how much has fallen. Weather report’s prediction came through Last night there was no thunder/lightning. I listened/watched until dropped into dry dreams. Looking out now, I see it is still falling.

Each morning she supervises, watching me go through the house-opening ritual. Silent, with knowing eyes, she waits. She knows, after windows and doors opened, coffee made, and fish fed, I’ll sit on the couch, and she will climb into my lap. artwork by Henri Matisse, “Pot of Geraniums“

This morning bracing air entered with opened windows and doors. Puffs of coolness after weeks-long heat waves give false hope. They say the smoke from the fires in Canada are headed this way. artwork is by Henri Matisse, “The Open Window“