a still small body —

even the trees look away

from the roadside ditch

leaves piled high

patiently awaiting

jumping children

we make a deal

to tuck each other in —

night folds itself too

in your embrace

I feel my clenched heart relax —

acorns on the earth

leaves sparkling with frost —

we listen for the sweet sound

of no mosquitos

tonight’s alchemy —

a boy with a book in bed

sounding out the words

almost a half moon —

how hasty change feels to me

mired in my grief