"Here are the fields I became a naturalist in, beginning back in the 70's and still come to with Anna, to walk out her questions..." – Claire Walker Leslie, from "December 2, Thursday, Sunny & lovely" Drawn to Nature

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.