crackling flames beneath dripping socks evaporate drop by drop water within wool. sweat and ice on little eyelids pale rosy cheeks kissed goodnight burrowed in soft down. fresh, crispy as the air outside taste the Northern, deep-fried, while stranded in blizzards. hands calloused, carefully scrubbing tile floors constantly on hands, knees. fresh, crispy breeze between bright blooms weaving blues, pinks together country’s newfound life. barefoot, hair caked with mud, raining showers on flushed, freckled cheeks breath leaping in throat. feet pounding unpaved paths, chasing dog chasing tail chasing boy sun and eyes shining. smells mixing; flowers, trees, even manure together become pure. sweat and ice in glass, with tonic curing heat, conversation grows every glass. funnel cakes throwing confetti of confectioner’s sugar onto hot cheeks. lakes glisten with sun, teem with fish tan-skinned men hunting, fishing for fresh, leaping fish. grill searing hamburgers, lawn chairs encircle flames, melting sugar; s’mores. crackling flames begin burning leaves that otherwise rot green grass spreading their decay. wool sweater pulled over dry cheeks, matches the orange, red, brown of the river valley. spiced pumpkin moss, wood, nutmeg Flames flickering everywhere while day dies away. hands kneading sourdough ready to bake at morn’s dawn. Originally published in Dragon Poet Review.
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