Most of the time when I’m trying to describe my feelings, or answer ‘how I am doing,’ I would do better with an answer like “making-pictures-in-the-sand-before-the-first-sunfinger-touches-the-waves’-crests-green.”

That’s an adjective, because language is amazing. Words can do a lot of interesting work. But sometimes the context is off, so they’re a problem to say. At least if you want folks to understand you, and not to go away more worried than you need them to be. It’s fine if I do this in a poem, but at the post office or the library or the coffee shop? Well, the ritual answer is, “Good! How are you?”

I’d like to give you not-words. I am:

A picture is not worth a thousand words. But it is a different way of thinking. It can hold emotion and memory and immediacy, self and other, without having to separate and define them. Most of the time lately, that way feels more complete and accessible to me. If you ask, “how are you,” maybe this is what I’m thinking:

I’ll probably say “Good. You?” Or “Apocalypse ok!” But I’m also answering completely, not in words. And leaving room for the notion that you might be doing that, too.

So. How are you?