For this reason Monday burns like oil
at the sight of me arriving with my jail-face,
and it howls in passing like a wounded wheel,
and its footsteps towards nightfall are filled with hot blood.

– Pablo Neruda, “Walking Around”

Yes, it’s Monday and finals week. I have survived today only slightly-scathed … there’s a bit more scathing to do Tuesday and Thursday and then I’ll be done! My cap and gown are hanging by the front door and need just a little steaming before I can graduate with a couple AA degrees.

I’m going to be sad to leave Cuesta College. It’s been such a nice place to grow in. One of my English professors asked me today if I’d be back in the Fall. I said I was going to Cal State LA to finish my bachelor’s and then I’d get my master’s and then maybe I’d be a colleague of his next time he saw me