The Palace of Bones

The Little Red Schoolhouse

The Little Red Schoolhouse We drew pictures in the window’s breath, Driving where they made us go, Past apple gardens and fresh fields of air. Her heavy eyes of sky Saw freckles near the moon. Now stars are stars. New cracks in the wall of my sister Who slept in the same sheet of skin As I did for just as long. She is still young in my eyes Though her soul is a glacier. Every nail I punch into the wall To hang a pretty new painting, I wish I were nailing her back To when she didn’t know Dad Would leave and Mom would go crazy. How can I be happy Knowing of her dark blood And scattered head? 34 You are reading copyrighted material published by Ohio University Press/Swallow Press. Unauthorized posting, copying, or distributing of this work except as permitted under U.S. copyright law is illegal and injures the author and publisher. I want to wrap her eyes With bandages, Push her backwards To the little red schoolhouse When we all walk her To the front door, And kiss the quiet skin On her forehead. 35 You are reading copyrighted material published by Ohio University Press/Swallow Press. Unauthorized posting, copying, or distributing of this work except as permitted under U.S. copyright law is illegal and injures the author and publisher. ...