The gift

After today's journey of a cold wind in the trees

sweeping the autumn dried leaves

down the street into a carpet of colour

the postman delivered a postcard from a

granddaughter traveling in Europe with

a small message and a foreign stamp

indicating the country where she mailed it.

On the reverse side a painting

of brilliant red poppies relaxing

in a globe-like clear vase with water

reflecting the yellow wallpaper on the wall

fracturing light scattering highlights in every direction.

Enough joy in those few brushstrokes and colour to

warm the soul and dispel the pallor of the day.

A gift unchallenged.

By Hazel Ross