Film

The bystanders stand by the road
Telling stories
Spilling words
We hold our breath
Wait for news
Alice holds my hand
Watching the scene closely
Taking notes and turning circles
We are a long way from home
But it is an adventure
We find a penny
I bring it up close to my eyes
Wipe the dust off with a corner of a sheet
I wish we had more pennies to count she whispers
Outside is our backdrop
Swaying trees
Swishing clouds
Leaves churned up like butter
We take it all in lightly
Lay a gentle anchor in our location
When the door is shut Alice brings me a shot of tea
It cools gently in a fine china cup
For herself she creates a sweet concoction
I do not ask what it is
I just watch her sip it from the corner of my eye
I like these peaceful days
They run like a film in slow motion
Familiar
Safe
It feels like we have reached a state of acceptance
Of being
Not such a bad deal
My cells buzz with a vague memory of creativity
All the fashion she giggles.