

However, yours can hold its own, on its own, and needs nothing for contrast; so I can spare Elena such an indignity. And I can save my rubber bands for a rainy day. [How did you know!?!

Good ~ I'm glad to hear that you're there for the trip, in the spirit intended. I'm glad for my perseverance in this, and that Elena will be the one to benefit through a poem that unbares your gratitude. Your heart to hers. I can't help but wonder what kinds of personal decisions she's already made for herself, with regard to her "health, safety, and welfare," in order to witness this surrealism and bring us such a chronicle. I see the emptiness everywhere ~ made more personal by the photos on the mantle, the calendar on the wall, and the diary on the table ~ and wonder, would I trust my life to a hosing?
Regards in return,
Lizz