The Northeast Windows
               –for Marion Ruth English Thomas
by Vaughn Neeld

That’s where she always sat–
upon a chair in a corner
where she could catch any stray breeze
that might climb through the northeast windows
like a fugitive grasping at any opportunity
to make itself welcome.

This was her summer routine:
Early in the morning she worked
at the most difficult chores.
After the noon whistle blew,
she set aside her apron and retired
to rock, read, sing, or nap
between the northeast windows
upon a chair in a corner.