It's Still Life

The Old Woman’s Unwritten Rules – Vol. II

1.
When the kettle screams,
listen for what else it might be saying—
a hymn, a warning,
or the crow’s third attempt
at opera.

2.
Let the cat claim your lap
even when you need to rise.
Some debts are paid in purrs,
some in patience,
and some in the tiny victories
of a well-timed “oh, fine.”

3.
Keep a thistle in your pocket.
Not for protection,
but to remember:
even the softest hands
must sometimes wear
their thorns outward.

4.
Answer every spider
with “after you.”
The world is vast,
and we are all
just passing through
each other’s unfinished webs.

5.
If a stranger offers you a story,
take it.
Fold it into your coat lining
like a spare button.
One day,
you’ll find it
just when the wind
has blown all yours away.

Some artwork is created using Midjourney AI, and is identified as such in the ALT text or captioned. Images are copyright and not to used without permission, which I willingly give when asked, and when not for commercial use. Imagery and poems/prose ©Misky 2006-2025.