They asked, where do you see yourself in ten years?

I answer

I’m wearing a dress

hair up, loose curls fall out

maybe it’s all grey and georgeous

or maybe I’m still dying it purple

or maybe it’s both, for sure it is long

longer than my mother would have worn at 61

I am cooking for friends who will be here soon

I love anticipation

my beloved is cooking with me

our movements like a dance

there is music playing

the smell of weed smoke mixes with the garlic and onions sautéing

we stop to kiss and touch each other

we haven’t stopped flirting in years

There is outdoor space and community space in my home

my ex wife lives next door

or across the street

or upstairs in her own place

but she’s there, she’s family

my kid is off to college, but she comes home

often

seeking family and connection

which we provide

with freshly a mowed lawn and lemonade on the patio

with laughter and meals together as a family

family cobbled together through friendships

through broken hearts mended

I am writing my future now and will be writing it then

I will be dancing in the streets on warm spring evenings with food and friends and love filling my life