into the cave

Our house was all clean and waiting, the chickens and cats in full attendance, spring setting in so early that daffodil buds are on the verge of opening. But, my homecoming is shadowed by middle-aged body-falling-apart woes. Not just the cracked tooth but also an eye thing which the internet informs me is some kind of problem with the retina. A phone chat with an opthalmologist, and all of a sudden I have to head back off the island tomorrow so I can be in his office at 8 o’clock Monday morning.

Fear is a funny thing: even though this kind of eye problem (flashing peripheral lights and a floating dark spot) can hold risks for vision, and might require high-tech intervention, I can face it matter-of-factly. Whereas the dental repair I need sends me up the wall with pointless apprehension, and I’m probably going to wimp out and take valium before I even walk into the building.

I’ll be away from my computer for a few days, so I’ll be forced to rely on pens and paper for awhile to hold my words.