Inklings 2021

I reach for another card: the Ten of Pentacles. Images of coins populate the surface, a wise man in the corner watches as two figures in love dance. I pause, and in the silence, realize that you have given me a second chance, despite my occasional careless words and thoughtless actions. I’ll be better, I promise, to myself and to any higher power that can hear me. I reach towards the arc of cards, bringing forward the Six of Cups. White flowers bloom in gold vases, as two children exchange a glance, smiles across their faces. Regret bubbles in my stomach. I should have responded differently when you bought me the gold bracelet for Valentine’s Day and took the time to carefully wrap it and write a note. I wish I had told you I loved you back, instead of accepting the gift with unengaged eyes, fixated on the wrapping paper which wasn’t taped the way I would have liked. I leave the rest of the deck face-down, turning my attention to the bowl of charms. Tokens of different shapes, sizes, and textures trickle out, clattering on a white plate as my hands make circular motions. I scan letters and numbers with a burning passion to find your birthday or your initials or even words you love to say in this scattered alphabet. BLUE SPIRIT Dominique Smith 11