Mike James

If you were a hat you’d be a fedora, brown and sweat-stained, still good for winter weather and rain’s summer surprises. If you were a feather an ostrich would be minus one. If you were a puzzle you’d look nothing like the picture on the box. No summer sunset. No boy hit by a swing. If you were a household cleaner you would be digestible, taste like red licorice. If you were red licorice you would be saved for special occasions. Twice-a-year everyone would gather around you and smile in thanks. Hand-sewn gloves would be required. After it was over, autumn’s scent would be on everyone’s breath.