Late at night--

midnight, say--

when grandma couldn't sleep,

she would don her shoes & sweater,

slip out the front door

& walk the paths around 

her country home,

the sky star-filled,

the scent of orange trees in the air.

Late at night--

midnight, say--

when I can't sleep,

I don my slippers & sweater,

slip into the living room

& gaze out the window

at my neighbor's tall oak tree.

No midnight walks outside for me in my urban home,

but that's okay,

I think of grandma,

simpler times? 

better times?

yes & no, 

depends on your vantage point,

& so I let these thoughts go,

I give gratitude for shelter,

I give gratitude for family & community,

remembering times past,

honoring times present,

& leaving the future to my midnight dreams.