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Unexpected
Alexandra Izzabehr Parris

Let me tell you about beautiful things.
This morning, when that eighteen wheeler
was changing lanes, it almost ran over your minuscule car.
That icy patch on the sidewalk, you slipped on
and fell, blushing, embarrassed, yet unhurt and amused.
You bent in for a kiss goodnight except
there was a collision of noses, ending the evening like a knife.
A reassuring smile ends up looking more
suited to a homicide than for support.
You didn’t notice the truck.
You survived the fall.
You met “the one” the next morning.
That little bit of encouragement helped.
Live your life,
the beauty will fall from the sky.