Waiting 55

She waited for the right time to say something.

The right time.

The right place.

The right person to say it to.

She waited.

Even though she knew ...

Every time is a time.

Every place is a place.

Every person has the potential to hear.

She waited ... and that was okay.

Being ready is important.

55

A Sensitive Bird 55

"Crikey, Mate!" the parrot said. "Crikey!"

"Where'd you get that parrot anyway?" he asked her.

"Crikey, Mate! Crikey!"

"Grandpa brought him back from Down Under," she sighed. "I sure miss Grandpa."

"Crikey!"

"Well, it's been fun, but I couldn't take that every night. See you round."

"Oh. Okay."

...

"Good parrot," she said, once he'd gone.

55

Elbow Sex 55

Middle seat on the airplane.

Politely, he kept his arms off of both armrests.

And yet ... 

Her elbow, old and pale, settled lightly against the flesh just above his own.

Rested there gently.

Shifted occasionally.

Made him wonder what she looked like

naked, this aging

but not yet ancient,

woman.

Middle seats are so dangerous.

55