Well, some days it feels like there is not much. But here is what remains: the marigold leaves of the maple tree in the front yard; smoke lazily trailing from the candles I blew out after breakfast; half a loaf of banana bread; the overlook at the edge of the neighborhood where we all congregate to assess the current state of the fires; a few lavender bushes holding strong down the street; roasted butternut squash with a hunk of sharp cheddar; 4th Street, which turns into a veritable dog parade come 6pm; the old crow screeching outside my bedroom window. Maybe these things can be enough.

(Oct. 19)