VOL. XVI, NO. 8

By KATHY COOPER

Yesterday was
Strawberry ice cream float day,
when we were running and screaming
that we were alive
and beautiful
and important.

Today is
dandelion wine day
when hammocks are being filled
with smiling people,
and grass is swaying gently
beneath bare feet.
Dandelion wine day
sweet words on my tongue.
Flowers are filling the air
as a gentle breeze rustles
in between the people
and their dreams.
Barefoot runnings,
golden sunshines,
my dandelion wine day.

Tomorrow will be
peppermint‑fudge malt
(with two cherries sitting on top) day
if we live this moment
in the sweetness
of its wine.