in essence

it became of immediate importance they leave the car.
enduring the red light took most of their patience.
and then they were free.
the gravel parking lot became their haven. 
all doors opened. volume: louder. the song floated into overarching oaks. maples. clouds.
auction house two-by-four steps: the trio's stage.
grazing cows across the rural lane cared not for such exuberance.
a moment later the song ended. all doors closed. quiet fell on the lane as the car pulled away.

melting not permitted. the first rule.
creamsicles required.
the trio ensured at least three were gone between store and destination.
in winter, the rule was easy to follow - but what trio only gathers in winter?

starlight essential. the second rule. 
humming the song, safeguarding creamsicles, the trio gathered at sunset.
each in a blanket-cocoon, a field of stars hovered above.
naming constellations evolved into insights, connections, memories.
attempts to comprehend innumerable mysteries.
mission creamsicles completed; none melted.

vibrancy. the third rule.
sheltered in a purple room, three blanket-cocoons succumbed to sleep.
over breakfast: "you might like...{this book}{that movie}{this artist}" 
thus the trio expanded their collections. inspirations. motivations.
dullness not permitted. ​

the rules cannot be changed, but the parameters of proximity are not rules.
after a multitude of accumulated moments,
​in a dew-soaked forest, the trio's path split thrice.
humming the song, each took a separate trail -
one beside the ocean, one amongst lakes, one beside a river.

proximity is not defined through geography alone. the fourth rule.
new strength weaving with old,
the trio gathered at sunset,
creamsicles required {even a decade later}.
after the visit, planes returned them to their destinations,
one beside the ocean, one amongst lakes, one beside a river.
but - those moments in between:
inspirations were pocketed,
naming constellations merged into reminiscing,
​and, after it became of immediate importance they leave the car,
​a pasture of horses heard the song.

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