World Pickle Day

My professor sends out a Sunday email,
I run exhausted eyes across it;
She provides the class with important information:
Today is world pickle day;
And she hopes we all will celebrate
responsibly.

A snow white pup sits on my lap and begs
For a snack with Disney eyes.
Today he wins but whines,
Indignant at the taste of vinegar.

And despite the winter cold and wind I am
sheltered in a warm kitchen fixing myself
a sandwich, placing roast beef on bread,
Watching the sun shine through windows as best it can.

Overworked, I haven’t cooked for days
So I relish even the simple things;
Dijon and pumpernickel,
Mayonnaise and layers of pickles—

A way to remind myself
That despite the graduate school malaise
There are still things to celebrate
Like cold cut sandwiches
And world pickle day

squirrel
Loss