... new school year...
New School Year
English book, history book,
math book, science book,
all piled on the kitchen table
along side four crisp paper bags,
a pair of scissors and some tape.
One by one, each book is laid out
to be measured with a
tailor's keen eye, a snug fit
on the arms, smooth curves
around the spine, and
daughter running to get
her markers from the bedroom
to add the finishing strokes
of personalization on each book's
freshly made finery.
How proud they will be
on that first day of school,
each in a jacket the color
of brown autumn leaves.
