thirteen

As new leaves unfold
I dedicate my practice
to spring rain, a breath

twelve

Hobo-themed birthday
Six years old, free of worry,
mud-faced, sack on back

eleven

No time to change bike
tires slow with studs, plus nineteen
Spring! But wait... more snow

ten

Hand on belly, asked,

at a party, A baby?

No! (me, mortified)

nine

My thoughts of Boston
I share your singular grief
mother, boy of eight

eight

Sweet avenging day
make those children pay for night
We slept not a wink

seven

Picking paint colours
White isn't white isn't white
and neither is gray