Thanksgiving gone and
Only the oaks still hold leaves
Tenaciously
Even the thin ones
That barely can carry
Such solid name
As wild winds blow
The supple necks and heads
Become young girls
Girls in delicate dresses
Of fraying summer linen
Caught in surprise by a storm
Trying to hide their long legs
And bodies from such tempest
They are girls
Girls being told
Told to undress
For their annual physical:
An examination
This one held age eleven
But several seem older
Those more mature
Are calmer, clad
Demurely in bras
Panties Plus Bras
No frantic rustling
Whipping about of their hair
Yes they are preening
Enjoying their bodies
While we willful ones
Still bearing leaves
Scant panties and dresses
No full disclosure
Fight like the Furies
Just to stay covered
This shaming defeats us
We too stubborn fighters
And we‘re scolded with words:
One should embrace this
This Seasonal Occurrence:
Come, you are a deciduous tree
I am the School Nurse
Blown in by nor‘easter
Dr. Winter is waiting
He is waiting and does not care
About your tiny nipples and little pubis
You are not special
No different than any other tree
Being asked to shed her glorious cover
The dress your mama made
Only for you**
As the last girl surrenders
She flies in her mind
Outside to the schoolyard
Whispering
Soon you shall turn to a Laurel***