Backyard

Swingset

one leg rocks

if you swing too high,

but mostly

its green and yellow seats

sit empty.

Treehouse

overlooking the world

it was never how I dreamed it,

but always somehow better.

Fire pit,

stones rolled over

to make the circle,

sticks brought over

to make the fires,

marshmallows brought over

to make the s'mores.

Picnic table,

painted yellow, but fading

it measures the snow

in the winter

and holds party food

in the summer.

Grill,

every winter,

it is piled with snow,

and every summer

it is piled with hot dogs

and veggie burgers.

Backyard,

full of snow,

soon to be full of animals,

full of memories,

soon to be full of spring.