I miss most the sound of your
preparing our morning coffee. That
stirring spoon inside the glass walls
of the French press. I imagine you

rinsing your mouth of the residue;
slurp, gargle, spit. Flossing your teeth,
mostly the upper jaw, because your
lower palette is hidden.

You have to do both, babe, I said
once. Leveled by a look, I didn't
offer guidance again. What we’re
willing to accept is refashioned

through the demands of our
environment. Starfish are a key
stone species, they support the
ecosystem just by breathing.

Photo source.