Creaky squeals make her smile.

Curled up in the front porch swing.

A blanket wrapped around tight.

A hot tea warms her chilled hands.

Rain pings on the tin roof.

And petrichor fills the air.

The mountains are blue and grey.

The green gives way to the haze.

Why do we worry and scurry about?

Isn’t this really the way to live?

Blossoms float on a gentle breeze,

Bringing delight to the faces in the crowd.

A magical tune fills the air,

Something foreign but familiar to the ear.

Water trickles through a bamboo tube,

Click, it flips and pours atop the stone.

A steady beat starts across the field,

Taiko drumming draws the crowd.

But the garden is full of peace

And pulls the quiet ones away

Cherry blossoms and bonsai surround,

Bamboo filters the sun’s rays,,

In the shade we take our rest,

Nibble on red bean ice cream,

And let the day fade away to night,

Until the navy sky comes to life,

Sparkles and booms bid us good night.

Now it is time to rest our weary heads.

The smell of the janitor’s cleaning fluid and aging books filled the air. A flickering light swung from its ballast. The building felt haunted but squeaking gym shoes and laughing students still echoed through the halls.

Locker doors hung haphazardly open. Stray notebooks, food wrappers, and pencils littered some while other were pristinely clean. The paint was chipped and faded from the abuse students extolled on them.

She found her way through the halls to the library. The doors were left ajar so she walked in. A woman smiled and waved hello as she moved behind the desk.

She opened the door to a back classroom. She could have come in the outside door, but she didn’t. The room was filled with blue cabinets and tables and chairs.

Two typewriters set on the countertop. The forms she needed to complete waited for her. This would be her last act before departing for summer.

The top of the first form was titled “Requisition Form”; the other “Grant.” She set to filling them out. A student had to fill them out, to make the request.

She tapped on the keys, making the case for the first computer to be used by the yearbook staff. Her advisor sat at the desk.

She would pause and ask for guidance, but finally the form was complete. The wheel gears spun as she pulled out the form. Her job here was done.

Now it was in the hands of others. Would they get a Macintosh next school year? Only time would tell.

Can’t seem to get anything right these days. Wandering the house as we near midnight. Uneasy at work, never seeming to succeed. When I stand up for myself, I’m aggressive; aka a bitch; or else I’m a damn doormat.

My shoulders and neck are wound up tight. I’m a walking ball of stress. My eyes strain even when closed, always looking left and right, waiting for the next punch, slam or jab.

My confidence is shaken and I am starting to crack. Why the hell couldn’t I just have been a pretty little housewife with two kids?

Oh yeah, not beautiful, so I had to be smart. Barren, so I must be a cold unfeeling wench. But right now, I feel too much, and I feel dumber than I ever have.

What is the lesson I am supposed to learn? Why haven’t I just learned it already? Where do I go from here?

Thoughts while wound up flood my brain as it nears midnight. I know things will be better, if I could shake this headache and get some sleep. But, my mask has slipped and Wonder Woman has left the building.

Complexity simply designed. That is the goal. Float like a swan, peddle like a mad woman. Get it done without showing how you sweat!

Sometimes the work is harder, but it’s worth it. Bringing to life someone else’s dream. Making life easier and more productive.

It’s what we do. All those people behind the scenes. Each a genius in their own right. The person tapping on their phone, walking in to the store, the patron at a restaurant, the audience at the play…we do it to make them smile and have their needs met.

That’s what drives us…those of us behind the scenes.

Nerves on edge, feeling like constantly failing.

Knowing I am learning, but never succeeding.

Maybe I should step back, do my old role.

Or run away and start something else.

But I know the mature thing to do,

Step away and take a few moments,

Sip some tea and gather my thoughts,

Then in the morning, start anew.

He rested his head on her lap. It had been an exhausting day. Both breathed out a sigh as the sofa welcomed them.

He looked up at her with those eyes. She caressed his head and smiled at him. Slowly his eyes closed as the stress of the world faded away.

Music ballads from their youth played while a single candle flickered away on the coffee table. Her socked feet swayed a little, keeping the beat.

As the evening wore on, tiredness overcame them. She shifted a little, trying not to disturb him. She curled up into him and laid her head on his chest.

Sweet dreams, my love.

The little field mouse ran through the flowers on the rolling prarie. The dew dripped from a large daisy, so he paused. Up on his hind legs he went, stretching for the petal.

Finally he reached it. He gave a hearty tug.

Splash! The water rolled out and soaked the little fella. He sat on his haunches and dried himself off. No point in crying over split water.

Off again he scurried. His nose started to twitch as an enticing odor wafted on the breeze. Campers left him a little delight… Cheese!