Brown curls wild and free
he roars under the hot sun;
king of the playground.

© Nancy Botta, 2019

Gilding a goldfinch
perched within a budding tree—
he unties her scarf.

© Nancy Botta, 2019

Loosely braided stems,
a dainty crown for a queen—
small yellow stained hands.

© Nancy Botta, 2019

Wet season arrives
with muddy hems and soft groans—
black umbrellas bloom.

© Nancy Botta, 2019

Tattered plastic bag
ribboned across barbed wire—
anger carves up skin.

© Nancy Botta, 2019

Salt stains on suede shoes,
sweater soaked by soggy snow—
winter’s welcome wanes.

© Nancy Botta, 2019

Shattered river ice
sews itself back together;
pale scars crisscross wrists.

© Nancy Botta, 2019