there was just this blank wall
88″ x 100″ of white space
track lighting installed
and aimed
at nothing

now
the tree of life

I hold the ladder
while he hangs it
then he holds the ladder
and I adjust the light
no A-frame
just straight up
braced by his body
circus-style

“ok, I’m going up one more rung”
“uh-huh”
“you got me?”
“yes”

purple gold and blue
peacocks flowers and fruit
illumined
all swirling
flourishing
adorning
our living room