A Spangled Life

by Patricia Reynolds Sorbye

Before, I had a pocket full of sequins
Small, bright disks of every hue
Endless moments
And wherever I went, I could leave
A generous trail of faceted markers
A spangled path
To anywhere
From anywhere else.

And if
In pulling out the Chapstick
Or a house key
Some should tumble out unnoticed
Not to worry
There were oodles more.

Before, I could lose them in the sofa
And give them to strangers
Who weren’t even hungry
Fritter away the days —
Riding a wave of shining plastic
Perfectly shaped and molded
Saturated greens and ochre
Red and turquoise-toned iridium
Shimmering and clicking as they hit
Each floor, or plate, or watch-face.

Now, a smaller wad
Interrupts the line
Of my trouser leg
But I pay attention
And enjoy
The flickering distribution —
Moments blow away
Like late spring petals.


Patricia Reynolds Sorbye

Bio: In the summer of 2008, Patricia Reynolds Sorbye was diagnosed with breast cancer, resulting in a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. Patricia credits hypnotherapy with making the experience easier than it might have been otherwise.

Currently cancer-free, she is a Certified Hypnotherapist, living and practicing in Oakland, California. Patricia’s website is Watervox Hypnosis & Hypnotherapy, www.watervox.net.

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