A long day of work—students from noon ’til night,green against gray skies. I love my students:smart, unguarded, steady, bright—white flashes of light. My life is enrichedthrough this “enrichment” I give;a mourning dove coos. How did this happen—this unplanned yet joyful life,sweet like gardenias? Gratitude fills me.Life’s tender gift—so fragile.Somewhere, a dog barks.