Buttons Round and Sound and Pretty

Written by Lisa Stice

StatenIslandFerry,2001.jpg
Image: Staten Island Ferry, 2001 by Anna Karpinski

round, you say, like circle
yes, I say and show you
how to turn each button
make the eagle stand straight
the earth anchor itself

how easy it is to set this brass
in order, to iron wrinkles
out of wool, roll tape
around our hands to pat
away rogue fluff and lint

I say, how handsome Daddy looks
wonder if you see a man
or someone who flies
without wings, circles
the earth before returning home

This work was featured in issue #3

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