Naked tree
\nreveals blue ribboned nest
\nstreamers dancing in the wind
\nrelics of exuberance<\/p>\n
But these are not ribbons
\nbut strips of blue plastic
\nfrom the house across the street
\nplastic sheeting for a roof<\/p>\n
Sunset shows light from one corner window to another
\nHeadlights illuminate shadows
\nIt is the only light
\nCelia (can I name her) lives there, but only sometimes<\/p>\n
The state has a lien
\npayment for her dead father\u2019s health care
\nfather she will not even name
\nfather who was not one, and worse<\/p>\n
Each morning I raise the blinds
\nchilled by this naked house
\ndirty peeling yellow, dented metal door
\ndisabled bird bath<\/p>\n
Hoping this time tulips will bloom
\nwindows will open, white curtains will swell
\nand there will be Celia
\nshaking a rug on the porch<\/p>\n
But not this morning –
\nsurprised the winning raffle ticket
\nis not mine
\nI double check the number<\/p>\n
Pulling strings, closing the day
\nthe house remains
\nso desperately still in the darkness
\neven the sky looks hopeless
\nis this house to blame?<\/p>\n
No more than the blue ribboned nest
\nbuilt by Cedar Waxwings
\nresidency derailed by feral storms –
\ndogwood denied
\ngenerations of dapper fruit eaters<\/p>\n
Party nest looks mournful now
\nmore like its sister house
\nacross the street –
\nboth empty promises<\/p>\n
But no mistaking the house across the street
\nfor streamers dancing in the wind<\/p>\n
Blue Ribbons Naked tree reveals blue ribboned nest streamers dancing in the wind relics of exuberance But these are not ribbons but strips of blue plastic from the house across the street plastic sheeting for a roof Sunset shows light from one corner window to another Headlights illuminate shadows It is the only light Celia … Continue reading Patty Arbour<\/span>