Korrine Key
After Reading November for Beginners by Rita Dove
The dream of snow is a relief
In it’s own
These burning fall leaves
Are far too harsh compared to ice
There are too many of them
Too much
Snow is a secret
Blanket to cover the crunching
Brown leaves like dirt
Soggy and frail
In the ongoing autumn rains
Melting them into the earth
The music of the sun’s rays
Crisp the air
Beat the people
Sweat spilling from their foreheads
As they dance in the light
Dreaming of snow to cool
Their tired burning bodies
My Papa’s Hands
I remember your hands
The most
Labor-worn and never smooth
They were large hands
Fit for a lumberjack
Yet old and wise
Never withered
Strength within each
Groove and wrinkle
Though gentle when you’d
Lead me through
Your colorful spring garden
Blues
Pinks
Purples
All bright in my youthful eyes
You’d take me there just to see
My smile
I was there but a flower bud
Soaking in this day like water