(untitled)

looking up at cold sunlight

gives the idea of warmth in my backyard

my dog squats to pee because he can no longer lift up his right leg

as if to say,

“I’m surprised that I’m old, too”

ten years and spring doesn’t get warmer but my anticipation mounts each round

I saw a photo of my parents from when I was very little

and I cried because I didn’t realize how young they were

we stand in dew and silence

I’ve always want to ask the seasons how change feels

and now I see flowers pushing and shoving and fighting to be seen on bare branches

I know they would say it hurts like hell

—By Zoe L., 17, California