Five Seasons

Spring

scattered petals . . .

the thud of my books

in the book drop                         +

spring breeze—

the pull of her hand

as we near the pet store

mountain spring—

     in my cupped hand

          pine needles

tulip festival—

the colours of all the cars

in the parking lot

Summer

meteor shower . . .

a gentle wave

wets our sandals                         +

summer moonlight

     the potter’s wheel

          slows

first star—

a seashell held

to my baby’s ear

beach parking lot—

where the car door opened

a small pile of sand

Fall

first day of school—

I eat my buckwheat pancakes

in silence

a table for one—

   leaves rustle

in the inner courtyard

a crab apple

from the highest branch

rattles down the rain spout

first cold night—

the click of your domino

as we play by the fire                             +

Winter

toll booth lit for Christmas—

from my hand to hers

warm change

first snow . . .

the children’s hangers

clatter in the closet

warm winter evening—

the chairs askew

after the poetry reading

Valentine’s Day—

she reminds me

to fasten my seatbelt                   +

Lagniappes

hospital waiting room—

the drinking fountain

stops humming

grocery shopping—

pushing my cart faster

through feminine protection

the waiter interrupts

our argument on abortion—

a choice of teas

children’s

book

sh

elves