L U M I N A * N O S T R I

 (Written 2/25, picture to prove it!) Rare Bird Seriously, though      Your           Choice of words                Haunts me.                    Or rather                       Presses on my lips                             Has me heaving oohs                                  Ahhhs.                                       Never                                            Try to be any other way. You rare bird.

  Just a Game Anyone can slap in anytime. That way, when you’re out, you’re never  really out. When things line up, pause,  but don’t hesitate. Go for it!  When you make mistakes, pay each price, once is enough. No need to over do it. Don’t forget: sometimes, you’ll be  called upon for war.  When that happens, take it slow. Lay it all on the table. Then, try! You’ll win some, you’ll lose some act like you’ve been there before either way. Play fair, be willing.  Shuffle and deal as needed. Remember, above all else,  why you play the game: You play to connect, to be here together, to touch triumph and face  failure in community. You play to remind yourself no matter what happens you are not alone.

 Anniversary A year ago, to date, down there in the tiki lounge of my dead, Camilla first grabbed the mic. Without testing, no background track this warrior, she began to sing. Her words breathy and sputtering, she sang, sang, sang. Does she now pause before she begins? Wait for a spotlight? Hold the mic just so? Is her melody any sweeter for the experience? And what of her costumes, her affect; is there presence? Varied tone? A subtle knowing? So let it be. Let it be so.