Nov. 8
The compartment of memory set aside for this view
across the street from the yellow Riverside house.
On summer days a hundred people slip past this corner
from the Rutledge Bridge and head along the narrow
lakeside park trail. By afternoon the yellow stucco
reflects itself off the yellow falling sun. Is that an Acer
Japanese Maple at the edge? Paintbrushes over the years
have no doubt been jealous of the natural vermilion.
Leaves tucked to tight fists on the sidewalk click
to the slightest shoreline wind. Inside, it's as though
your inside the joy of the eyes of the house. Kids march
across the street with no more thoughts than the river below.
You sense that by the end only these hours will stand
to words you'll write by then with watercolor and pen.
