how i rejected shame

that which follows the initial calamity is,

in summation,

bliss

chalk it up to a string of tiny pleasures

occurrences that warm the heart

mine in particular

smart music in the morning

far too much cream and sugar in a strong cup of coffee

windows flung open on a hot radiating night

sex when I want and no moment else

cutting my hair just a bit shorter

for the season

lighting candles at my bedside

this is me

changing the lock on my door

this is me

tossing out old shoes

i become as fat as I please

and i lick my plate clean