October First

by Joanna Gilman Hyde

across the flagstone driveway

where Eye would find Fool’s Gold

My Father’s Father Bobby Hyde

constructed a stone play house

to match the stone dwelling He built by hand

named “The House In The Woods”

Remember:  The Play House

was only high enough

for children

and My Mother tole painted the cupboards

on either side of The Children’s Fireplace —

My Parents had a birthday party for Me

there, seated at the table and kids’ benches

built by My Mother’s Father

which She painted too in rich blue

with daisies to match Her Cupboards