Emma is twenty one today. I want to write a thousand poems about Emma, and I should write them to give voice to her speechlessness. But if you knew her you’d know it’s also unnecessary, she manages to be well heard without my interpretations. Celebrating all day long…this young lady:

emma

pushed up into life
through a hollow in the snow
winter’s child and mine

no spoken words, she
leaves nothing to chance, can bring
spring through a blizzard

sudden summer storm
a formidable force — she
indefatigable

confetti with leaves
I rejoice with the trees
for twenty one autumns

with you.

© 2020 Laurel Archer (all rights reserved)