Forever Changed

They are cutting down the tree. The angry sound of a chainsaw makes me think of enraged wasps. As exhaust fumes seep in around doors and windows, the sound – not really the sound, but the knowledge of what the sound means – gnaws at my bones. This machine is not just ripping the tree away, but our peace. The peace it steals is the peace that a mature tree brings to a space. Sadly for this majestic, leafy tree, it was planted in exactly the wrong spot and was tearing up neighboring walls and garage floors. The landlord said it had to go even as he lamented the need for more trees in …

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Getting Back to the Future

I got my second vaccination the other day. I underestimated how exciting that would be. It is gradually dawning on me that it will soon be safer to see people and do things. Of course, caution is still advised until more people get vaccinated and the rates of infection drop. Nonetheless, it is thrilling. Headlines speak of when we can get back to normal. But what will normal really look like after a year in …

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