My Cardboard Balcony

Yellow by Belinda Roddie My favorite flowers are in bloom again: Roses, dipped in honey, slipped sky fingers caressing fragile cheeks, and as they bristle with anticipation of the wind, I, too, am aroused by the canvas of the elements. The song plays in my head again. Behind the gazebo, shadows stopped playing to hear the timbre of our vows. When I stopped by my mother's garden, I wore my soul on my bare arms because I had no sleeves to cover it up. Some day, I'll tattoo it where it won't ever fade. And it will be outlined by these roses. The joy I crave is like the last sip of cold mint tea in a heat wave: The glass sweats against me, and I dream.

8-Bit Heartbreak by Belinda Roddie Everything I loved was reduced to pixels and broken code.

Deep Breaths by Belinda Roddie Just three more days. Just three more days. Almost there.

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Indulge by Belinda Roddie I had gyros and wine to fight back the rage.

Okay, yes, I know I actually posted this on Saturday, not on Friday. It's been a hell of a week, all right? Our new cat, Spike, poor thing, had to be taken to the vet for an infection in his mouth. Biopsy results arrive on Monday, and I'm really hoping it's not cancerous. He's recovering steadily with antibiotics. Three more school days left, and on Sunday, I'm flying to Denver! More info on that next week. It's Pride Month. I'm gay. I'm non-binary. They/them pronouns. Love how far we've come, but acknowledge how far we have to go. Light at the end of the tunnel, y'all. Looking forward to my break. Oh, and I'll be 32 in a matter of weeks. Wooooot. ...I don't know how to finish this introspection. Oh, well. Have a great night and a great weekend, everyone.

Recovery by Belinda Roddie My boy is getting better and that is all that matters My boy has braved some weather and that is all that matters His healing's what I like and that is all that matters I am so proud of Spike and that is all that matters