Who thought to dye this basketThe brightest grandest red?Who thought to trim it up with blueAnd carved the handle grip insteadOf plain, dull, and heartless, utilitarian?I think it was a farmer's wife; Who hoped when she planted an apple tree, Who prayed as she watered it carefully, Who knew that someday she'd joyously climb And harvest it full of... Continue Reading →

Color of my favorite crayon in third grade.Color of a sunset on a winter day.Color of tomatoes sliced on a plate,On a summer day when we eat supper late.Color of the velvet leaves on an autumn dressColor of the flame licking bright and blessedColor of plum jelly in a quilted glass jarOr the harvest moon... Continue Reading →

Her hands still ladylike and soft,But strong from working hard.The spoonmaker sat straddle her blue tool boxDressed in pink and blue check day-dress and an apronEmbellished with pink trim.Ignoring the crowd and the noonday sun,She pounded with her wooden mallet.She chiseled out pieces of wood. Her gray/white hair strayed in her faceShe didn't mind. She was... Continue Reading →