Page 16 - Contrast1982Springv25
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She is tall
and not very pretty.
Her yellow hair is cut plainly long.
Her behind-the-counter skirt
is much too short
and her bare fingers
push red keys.
Children stand upright in slow lines,
carrying toys with over-sized price tags.
She will probably come out short.
And everyone watches television,
as the man whistles.
Corey N. Mann
THE GUIDE
A child's hand is unsteady, unsure.
A larger hand grasps his
and guides it over the unfamiliar ways.
Instead of hearing, "Loosen up!"
the child hears of the magic of the turns
and twists. He relaxes his grip.
The child inwardly questions his rebellion.
He is passing through the mirror.
(The teacher is good.)
Pa ul H ogsten
14
