L

I start a stir fry for dinner

Cup, kettle, basmati, I walk to the sink

As I try to measure, my mind will not share

Preparations, proportions, ratio forgotten One to two? Three to one? One to four?

I slide to the floor, feeling useless

Holding hope that the number will show itself soon

Glen finds me sobbing, still clutching the kettle. I choke out, "I can't cook anymore" He soothes, "One to two, I'll make it you rest"

As he helps me up, I hand him the pan

Ll

Waking out of a seizure, I slide tongue along teeth.

Feeling space, I get up and move to the mirror

Trying to see where I've broken a tooth I stare at myself in frustration

Unable to retrieve if this gap is new

I walk back to bed, hoping Glen will stir memories

Hugging, he whispers, "Don't worry

When you were seven, you had the tooth pulled. The dentist sure it would make room for others"

Finally calm, I fall fast asleep

Lll

Making granola bars, I blend ingredients.

I stir adding flour, applesauce and oats.

When I reach for brown sugar it's missing

I trace steps and search. It is not in the cabinet, or in the cupboard

Yanking open the door of the preheated oven, I'm relieved it's not melted in there

Knowing my habit of misplacing things, a friend on the phone suggests checking the fridge.

On the shelf I see sugar, simply waiting for me. I laugh and hang up, crack the eggs and continue

lV

Images are indelible

I wait, knowing thoughts must remain in my mind

Reflections may move me from moment to moment

I search, stirring shadows, seeking answers of time

Feeling foolish, I scavenge from others.

As I stir their memories, they become one of mine

Previously published in Quill and Parchment