Drawing by Judith Wolfe
Ruth Arnison

Poem


      AFTER THE RAINS

      After the ten day rains we ease our way out of
      the house where we have become to ourselves
      and each other, unbearable

      He points out the lettuce tree like the one at kindy
      I correct with 'cabbage.' As long as there's no
      brussel sprout trees he's not bothered

      He whispers, see the wind breezing the beautiful
      flowers,
      and the daffodils nod in delight
      at this recognition

      Our stale and snappy winter words have been
      released and spring's warmth is seeping
      into our conversation

      I've got little hummings bubbling inside me and
      I haven't swallowed a bee.
      I catch his sideways
      look and we burst out laughing


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