Margaret Chula
 


                                            chattering squirrels
                                            split open the chestnut burrs
                                            first chill
                                               my sister calls again
                                               and asks for money



                                            open window
                                            and the scent
                                            of Nantucket roses
                                            suddenly
                                            I am ten again



                                            feeling burdened
                                            by all my possessions
                                                 a gust of wind
                                                 blows through
                                                 the wind chimes

                                       

                                            skinny dipping
                                            in the Gihon River
                                            on the summer solstice
                                                 jangle of bracelets
                                                 my quickening heart



                                            father-in-law
                                            who taught me how to sail
                                            now asks me the word
                                            for the place
                                            where horses sleep



                                            tempted to try it
                                            he loves me
                                            he loves me not
                                                my hand reaches out
                                                toward the white daisy

                                         

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