Storm Windows
Windows now are double-paned.
That wasn’t always true.
Storm windows were once the thing
to keep from turning blue.
On a sunny day in fall
you’d clamber up the ladder,
pull off every screen window,
then becoming sadder,
you’d realize the storm windows
were still piled in the cellar,
heaped up helter-skelter
like the dimes of Rockefeller.
Some were marked so you would know
which window they did [...]
Awful Autumn
The saddest words of tongue or pen
are in the phrase: ‘go rake again.’
Each autumn brings this burden deep
that makes men sigh and children weep.
Bright colors burst upon the trees
and leaves pile up unto your knees.
As if that were not bad enough
an ill wind blows the neighbor’s stuff
into your yard for you to rake
while they an [...]
