a state of mind

my hands curl around the flimsy plastic folds of my shopping bag 

as I walk home through streets tight and winding. 

it is a sunny morning, 

crisp and clear, 

and magic. 

I pause, taking a moment to appreciate 

to see 

all that the world gives me in this moment. 

taking off my headphones I hear the click clackety whirr of the metro, 

and sounds of excitement in a language I do not know. 

in the sky, I see nothing but blue 

and faint cirrus clouds high above where planes fly. 

further down the road, I smell spices

warm broth from rich noodle soup, 

and a citrusy twang coming from the farmers market. 

"all this in one moment" 

I think to myself as I continue, a smile beginning to show on my face. 

alone, I see the beauty in everything, 

stopping when I please to peek in the windows of bustling stores, 

or buy strawberries on the side of the road simply because they looked good. 

tiny things like this bring me peace. 

I know now, that the little things are what make me free.