Poem of the Day
Study of Children
By Asha Futterman
did you know
that you all work for me?
I asked them as a joke
did you know
that you all work for me?
I asked them as a joke
Why does the speaker stop by the woods?
would you have stopped be honest
would you care to be in New England
The reason that I choose this flat
Prosey tone is that I know the truth
Will not be found in elaborate fountains
In 1954, in June
I saw a total eclipse of the sun by the moon.
I saw the flowers fold up, the birds
Then love introduces the expensive dream
Of peace into this last report on the future
Of the past, as the pen snaps
A pleasant meadow
where sleeping maids lay
one cousin awakes
I have your books, your mouth to remember me as well.
no one to dine with
no one to smoke with
your suggestion, “I know a motel,”
coming to my room instead, prone amid sheets
The faces of children
encourage deeds
of innocence
Sea birds over the river
Hover in my dreams at night.