MEMORY

In her memory of her childhood
There is a place with a farmhouse.
There is a red barn
With the paint peeling off of it.
She can see Daddy standing
Near the duck pond sawing wood,
With his handkerchief hanging
Out of his pocket.
She sees the old oak tree
As its branches hang over the rooftop
Of the house,
And chickens walking across the yard.
The grass is soft and green.
She can see her sister and brother
Playing in the duck pond.
Their dog is standing on the bank
Barking.