pumpkins,
cold to the touch,
and hard
but i cradle them
. . . my children

curled, crumbling leaves
filled with rainwater
my sister thinks
a tea party
has been abandoned

heated leather seats
lessen the swell
of insecurities
when I leave your car
a wind of doubt blindsides me

offering to pour her
a glass of cider
nerves grow
I blame my shaking
on tiredness

top quarter champion

TOP half Chamption

bottom quarter champion

pulling jackets
from the back of the closet
I carefully rehang yours
three years and I'm still unable
to get rid of it

prepared to face this chill
with just this sweater,
you wrap your coat around me
and no cold
could ever reach me

the instant
you touch my lips
I melt
the love between us
sending sparks through me

from the porch
I see my neighbor
raking leaves
I wonder if his wife
ever found out about us

TOP half champion

CHAMPION
 

BOTTOM half champion

Posted on the balcony
I overlook the matte stillness
and estranged atmosphere
that is Autumn--
I smile at her work

a flutter of wings
skittering paws
hands turning cold
it's true
winter is coming

dancing drops of water
racing each other
across the window
I'm rooting
for the one on the left

lying in the grass
twirling the stem
of a dead leaf
between my
fingers

top quarter champion

BOTTOM half champion

bottom quarter champion

black dog staring
at the forever closed door
hoping and wondering
when they will return
for her

You feel
for our father's scent.
A stem
three buds separated--
my trinity

cell phone jingles
in my pocket
I remember Grandma's windchimes
and answer . . .
breath caught on the wind

with papa
at the train yard
seeing all the engines pass
now i can only put
flowers by his grave