In this ordinary dream, I live in Paris - not sunny touristy Paris, but cold and wet Paris. I live with the noise of the traffic, and the quaint balconies, and I've glanced at the Eiffel so many times it's like a lobby showpiece meant to be forgotten. I work in a bookstore and sit in cafes, and my bed is rarely made, and the books stack up as a side table, and there's always wine. I grow house plants and love affairs with beautiful strangers. The live music in the subway station is a blessing, the basic-ness of these desires is glorious.

Ruminations: Srish

I'm thinking My plant, his chair,

the ashtray that we bought together. I'm thinking This is where

we live. When we were little we made houses out of

cardboard boxes. We can do anything. It's not because

our hearts are large, they're not, it's what we

struggle with. The attempt to say Come over. Bring

your friends. It's a potluck, I'm making pork chops, I'm making

those long noodles you love so much.

Crush; Richard Siken

“— If your deepest self is singing and coaxing you straight toward the bonfire, is it better to turn away? Stop your ears with wax? Ignore all the perverse glory your heart is screaming at you? Set yourself on the course that will lead you dutifully towards the norm, reasonable hours and regular medical check-ups, stable relationships and steady career advancement the New York Times and brunch on Sunday, all with the promise of being somehow a better person? Or...is it better to throw yourself headfirst and laughing into the holy rage calling your name?.”

The Goldfinch; Donna Tartt

look out over that shanking fire,

I shut my eyes. Not often,

but now and again there’s a moment

when the heart cries aloud: yes, I am willing to be

that wild darkness, that long, blue body of light.

Whelks; Mary Oliver

[Intro]
Pack yourself a toothbrush dear
Pack yourself a favorite blouse
Take a withdrawal slip, take all of your savings out
Cause if we don't leave this town
We might never make it out
I was not born to drown, baby come on.

Sleep on the Floor; The Lumineers

Images: Screengrabs from Wherever You Are; Kodaline