It snowed and blowed, through Ruidoso, White Sands, Deming, Lordsburg. I had a conversation with a guy in Lordsburg while pumping gas and standing with my back to the wind. At least it's not snowing anymore he said. At the Arizona border the sun came out. I took off my coat. I took off my other coat and my hoodie and hat. I turned off the heater and let some cool air through the vents. I talked on the phone and wished for short sleeves and watched the sun coming down in the clouds. I called all the people I hadn't called yet--all but one--and left messages: I am home.
***
Priest to the big kids in the congregation: How do you get to heaven?
Sage (very loudly from the back): You die.
***
Glenda to Sage: I had to take you to the doctor and the staff was very impressed with you--they said you were a very bright little girl.
Trystan: Glowing in the dark. Twinkling in the dark night.
***
