Dear armadillo,

Root around in the branches all you want

Dig up any grubs, worms, or whatever it is you eat

But please do not succumb to your suicidal tendencies

And throw yourself under the wheels of my car in my own driveway

I don’t think I could stand starting the day with killing a harmless armadillo

 

Dear spiders,

Build your webs in the corners

Catch any critters that get in

But please do not build your webs in my bathtub

If you persist in doing this,

I will persist in turning on the shower head and rousting you out of there

So please, do us both a favor, and keep to the corners

 

Dear 1890s farmhouse,

Forgive my sudden sprints through the hallway at night

I still suffer from a fear of the dark

Forgive my slow invasion

As I determine where everything should be

Forgive my longing looks

I find I’m slowly falling in love with you

 

Dear country road,

I am learning your curves and dips

I am learning to watch for deer

I am getting used to your appearance in fog

In rain

In daylight

And deep night

Please be patient with me and let me memorize your ways

 

Dear me,

Be patient

Take your time

Learn this place

And breathe