this morning the pavement, all stuck slick with ice and the history of yesterday's sunshines and the friction of feet, didn't reveal itself to me -- didn't hush out secrets during my short blinding walk from the car across the quads to the building. only grey skies. balance. back-ground-noise. i wondered what i thought about a year ago on this day. then felt the tremor of gratefulness -- not able to recall. most instances bring something to remember forever. low cold skies. a new scarf. the weight of this old misshapen loop on my right hand. the smell of you -- just from the shower.

today is mine. and i wish everyone love that feels soft and unforgettable like vanilla scented kisses.