before it got dark, while the

clouds glowed pink, I stood on

the terrace and waited for the stars to

come out. it calms me down –

I need that peace in my life.

I sat down on the railing, the

neighbor’s cat came to say hello

and I stroked it quietly. there

are nights that don’t slow down,

when the chariot that rides

across the sky goes through

fire, sparks falling to the

earth burning little holes in my skin,

but tonight was quiet – I was safe.

the cat rubbed against my back,

I drank a glass of wine

and waited.

by Cher Bibler