to my granddaughter, April 2020

Lately, we’ve steered you clear of this bright scene,
the alluring crayon-box colors of rung and slat
and every kind of up or down or flat.
Last summer you loved the big kids' wild careen,
squinting to study how they'd climb and fly
through a whirling circus of glamorous things:
high towers, curved tunnels, rock-walls and swings.
You took in each new trick with a measuring eye.
This coming summer should be your turn to shine,
reckless and wild, beaming with all you can do.
You look sideways at the freshly-posted sign,
the yellow tape, then up to us for your cue.
We can only shrug, then turn to go, pretending
we know this one, and it has a happy ending.

Judge’s Comments:
A strong contender, the sonnet variation “Until Further Notice” both portrays and tries to define the “yellow line” between safety and danger during these pandemic years. Subtle yet powerful, “Until Further Notice” allows us to question even now if we’ve yet reached the happy ending we want for our children.

Scott Lowery

Poet’s Statement:
Dedicated to my granddaughter June, who lost out on a whole summer of playground adventures and socializing during the first year of the pandemic. The good news is she’s now four and seems to have mostly made up for those missed toddler opportunities.