Cadet Blue

Stretched out thin as a pencil line on scratch paper 

lying on the crisp cotton covers

weary nerves jerk the point up and down

but not so much, really now, this is an old line begun long ago

Long ago when it thrilled to step upon the stepping stones

set in tufts of wet green grass, on the way to brick steps, 

to grandparents’ hugs, brown cows in the pasture, and a little curving creek

The delight of waking to possibilities  

of a day where you might encounter a witch (old neighbor)

or find a treasure (cobalt glass buried in the red clay) or with  your sister or cousin

play in the attic, or under the house, scratching the dirt

Being brave and kind and learning useful things 

or simply ordering your crayons by which you like best.

Sorry, cadet blue. 

~Dorothy Dolores