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The Tree Line
Jim Hanlen

I asked the kids in class to stand

Like deer. They follow the deer list:

Stiff-legged, necks stretched, ears

Scooping air. We practice the list

Of feelings: caution and shyness.

We roll and cover ourselves

In sunlight, nuzzle the rose buds

And make big eyes running

For the tree line when the principal

Wanders into the room.

2 Sept 2023

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Most often Jim writes from what occurs to him. He doesn’t use prompts. He’s written several poems about 25 years of caregiving for Alzheimer folk including his mom, dad, and mother-in-law. He has poems in English Journal, Grrrrr: A Collection of Poems About Bears, Practice of Peace, 13 Chairs, and Weathered Pages.

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Have you read these poems:
Camassia by Nadine Fiedler
Plus ça Change, Plus C’est La Même Chose by Jeff Bernstein

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