It always surprises me

How one walk can take me past a lilac bush

and into the backyard in Idaho, racing in the newly mowed lawn lanes.

How on the same walk through jasmine scented marine air

I’m folding the flag with my grandfather, at the La Jolla beach house.

Further up the road and into the park

and I’m in the spring San Francisco sun with my sister,

or Rome amongst girlfriends, all bouncing with the same college carefree step.

A view north I'd never noticed as I round the reservoir

is that hillside in France, looking out from the bed where we fell into each other.

Back home and the trees towering over windows

have me on my favorite porch in the mountains, gazing out at the lake.

It always surprises me

How I find every sense of belonging and adventure right here.