THE HIGH EAST WALL IN AUTUMN

In the early morning

on autumn days,

the high east wall

cast a deep shadow

over the narrow passageway,

between it

and

the adjacent buildings

of the orphanage,

as children

led by sisters

walked in silent columns

to their morning meal.

Their footsteps amplified

along the narrow way,

to some seemed

penitentiary-like,

to others,

monastic-like.

(September 6, 2002)