Page 96 of The Secret to Belonging

you say

i never thought about the colors that way

says Elinor. but you’re exactly right

you design the pattern on graph paper

paint a watercolor rendering to scale

plan the threading of the loom

choose the softest wool

you plug in formulas to calculate lengths

x and y are so soft in your hand

algebra finally makes sense

but

the new semester makes it hard to ignore

the imminent end to the school year

the end to your exchange experience

when you think of returning home

working at Video Kingdom

living in your parents’ house

you wish there was an algebraic formula

to weave a spell over Norway

freeze the clock and the calendar

hope it never thaws

you push all thoughts of leaving

out of your mind

vow to relish

every minute you have

it’s not that hard

you’re an expert at denial

TI (TEN)

Norway goes mad for the Winter Olympics

after all