Bon Anniversaire

My mother, Arlene Olga, celebrated her 60th yesterday.

The above was taken in 1972.  I found it in her college yearbook.

I took the bus and the train home from the city to see her.

In my bag I brought: Roberto Bolaño’s novella Antwerp, a bottle of Bailey’s, Jerome’s balloons, a Beatles card, and a Gigantic tote bag designed by my friend Andrew.

As gifts.

Snapshots

“Speak easy,” the man says nodding to the noises coming from the bar two doors down.  Inside a band is playing something loud and electric.

“A rescuing,” I say.

Sometimes I wear red when I am alone.