Measures



One minute past midnight I lie in the bath. One glass of hedgerow wine rests quietly at hand; sound of rain beats heavy on the window. The house smells of steam. The density of the steam was such as I had to fumble for the bath and the cold tap: it was the one that didn't pulse painful heat to my fingertips.
One minute past midnight: technically, the start of a day. Any sentence requiring the word 'technically' usually involves some form of deception.
Heat, wine: remember to leave the bath before sleep: a reluctant but practical remembrance. Upstairs the air is a pinching thing. Bed is safe. Rain flicks the window and dreams I do not later recall are taking place.
I think I dream of lying in a hot bath, listening to fat precipitating smacks, watching a wine glass fog. If it were a pleasant dream, it would appear this simple. I think of a cold cottage I lived in once and there was hardly any hot water then, hardly any of anything except coal dust and cobwebs. Life was so pared down, right down to cold and hungry and sat in the dark, hilarious and miserable in equal parts.
It was the best appreciation training I have ever had.
Heat, wine, calm sleep, enthrallments of weather: I have the measure of them.




Comments

Suze said…
Ah, Lils.

Well, let's see, here.

'I had to fumble for the bath and the cold tap: it was the one that didn't pulse painful heat to my fingertips.'

Fucking brilliant.

'Any sentence requiring the word 'technically' usually involves some form of deception.'

Ruminating.

'It was the best appreciation training I have ever had.'

mind a jumble.

'I have the measure of them.'

What a way to toss the title back out. You'd be proud of me, though. Despite the surprise, I caught it, and held it tight.
The Cranky said…
Hedgerow wine? You have such a gift with words.
Lisa Southard said…
Suze: I am proud of you and your excellent grip :-) xx
Jacqueline: We also make hedgerow jam (anything that can be locally foraged: in this case hawthorn berries, rosehips and sloes.) Gifted with words and wild food :-)
Fabulous writing, girl! (But I'm not surprised.)You have a brilliant way with words.

By the way, last week, I posted a review for your book on both Goodreads and Amazon. (both U.S. and U.K.) Needless to say, I loved it. You've got mad skills.
Lisa Southard said…
Susan - you are awesome! Thank you so much for your support and loveliness :-)
I am roughing out a review for Hot Flashes, but as usual am behind schedule! xxx
Hey, there's no "behind schedule," girl! I'm grateful whenever anyone can write a review.

And you're welcome. Your writing truly is wonderful.

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