the sunday that i was supposed to leave
for winter break,
i arrived at the airport twelve hours too early.
wide awake, i headed to the grocery store
to make brunch for the hayworth kids.

i texted lawrence to come home.
called home to make sure everyone was home
i made a little feast.
(i was already having the holiday separation anxiety).

as everyone finished piling food onto their plates,
we positioned ourselves around our flimsy coffee table -
covered by an old red flannel blanket from bakersfield.
i lifted my camera to take a picture of the food on the table -
the colors beautifully spoke
against the mood of genuine happiness
from standing around this table together.

i noticed everyone's feet on the parameter
of the table.
i told everyone to stand still
finally taking the only family portrait
that included all of us.




life is only as sweet
as the company you keep.
these friends standing around this meal
provided the cushion for the
change that was lurking around the corner.