I Didn’t Know I Loved… by Jadyn Malone

Howth Ireland, Winter Solstice 2023

I didn’t know I loved the smell of California mornings, green moss growing between the cracks of bricks

I didn’t know how much I loved grape juice boxes until someone gifted me one because they knew me and remembered my words

I didn’t know I loved the falling leaves, little feet jumping from place to place on the sidewalk leaving satisfying ‘crunches’ behind, a time of new beginnings, blank planners, fresh notebooks

I didn’t know I loved the smell of tea, milk, and sugar, present when I called out (often too early) — “Mommy, it’s time to wake u-up” — mornings spent reading and being spoiled with the last sip of tea, undissolved sugar leaving sweetness in my mouth

I didn’t know I loved the park that was the backdrop of my childhood, the playgrounds, the pond for skating and watching ducks and turtles, the picnics and tea parties in the lilac garden, egg hunts in the nesting place, Ollie in the fountains, walks with friends