things I mistook for a live animal this past week:

1. The crinkling of a CD wrapper in the trash can.
2. The crinkling of a grocery bag in my purse.
3. The shadow cast by a neighbor walking past my living room.
4. The kitchen faucet dripping into a pot.
5. Light reflected off of my computer, cast against the wall.
6. Water boiling on the stove.
7. My stereo, from the other room.
8. The wind rustling a shrub near the front gate of my apartment.
9. One of my students, hugging me from behind.