I stood for a few moments, looking around. No creature bounded from the woods. No flash of white appeared around the house. Orphie! I went inside and left the front door open. The coffee was steaming and would be thick enough to chew. The toast was cold. And my dog was missing.

This summer, and for the last several past, my grandfather's not here to clean up after us. He’d be glad to know that we’re making smaller messes and fewer of them. We’re more concerned with resiliency and respect than sparkler shows. We’re seeking what’s important and impacting that which we can. But despite our tidying, the mess around us grows. 

  I knew that I knew him already because of how he touched me when he stood and walked to my bed. He put both hands around my face and looked at me to see me, really, like he was watching the headclouds recede from behind my eyes and he wanted to be there when I got bright again. I knew that I knew him because he kissed me on the forehead and pulled my keys from his pocket but said – I’m going to get the car. Wait here. He smelled like sage and bonfire. I waited there because I didn’t really have a choice.

Now, fifty years since mineral veins were first identified here, mining companies are moving back in. Survey has indicated high contents of cobalt, copper, and zinc, “battery minerals” which are increasingly required in electric vehicle production.