The Ninth Collection

old ruler


old ruler--
disappearing graduation
marks


smell of wood


smell of wood--
the up and down of
the saw


late sun


late sun--
first year students bask on the
fire point lawn


a dry puddle

a dry puddle--
sun-baked mud on the
stepping stones


cold june


cold june--
the leaves of golden wattle
turn pinkish


confederations--
gasps from a neighbor confirm
the goal kick


chilly morning


chilly morning--
I rub my palms after
the handshake