I dream that preparations are underway
for your arrival. It feels so imminent
and so real, in the dream I completely forget
that it is a dream. Thunder sounds on the rim
of hills surrounding the town. The sky
gradually darkens, but inside, the house is warm
and filling with fragrant clouds of steam
from gingery broth and white rice. The table
has been wiped clean and even the neighbors
have come to set the table: good plates
and silverware, tulips in a glass pitcher.
The stove holds a corona of flame in each
burner, and the kettle whispers: any time
now, any time now, any time now.
