23

Last year,

the snow was up to my knees

covered in glassy ice

so my shins would hurt when walking.

This year there was winter for one week

bitter cold and snow that didn’t stay.

In 1995, snow covered my whole body

and we traveled to school through a white tunnel.

We were warned not to hide

in the dirty snow at the end of roads.

The snow plow would not be forgiving

on our young plaster bones.

Every year, bulbs would multiply,

cropped up in yellowed grass and acidic leaves.

-Hannah

Turn water on before undressing
Allowing time for it to heat up
Inspecting for signs of age
While the toothbrush makes its rounds

Now step into the water
Just too hot to be comfortable
Every few minutes step out of its drizzle
To give the skin a rest

The palm of the hand cradles soap
Its like liquid pearls, closer in appearance
To the creature that produces the shiny globe
With eyes closed dig fingers into hair

Towel dangles from its hook, air drying
The smell of soap lingers in its fibers

-KM