Penny August

Cellophane


Less looked at than a sunbeam,
I feel you see through my very

essence. Light enough to be lifted
by the whims of a child, I enfold my arms

around loved ones. Strong enough
to shield them from rain and harm

I protect from spits and spills keep crusts
from forming. No longer needed I am

crumpled tossed aside quickly forgotten.
When I am gone I will leave no trace.

The Last Yellow Rose

I rest on your shelf
away from fingertips
and your sight.

Your forty-second birthday
I arrived with eleven sisters
and the card saying

he loves you. We were always
yellow. My skin was soft then,
not so parched that words

could crumble me, scatter
his memory to oblivion.
If I remain in the dark,

hidden, you only notice me
in passing, barely a glance
to hear him call you

Penifither. I beg you
to look at me,
know that I still

represent love
that will live forever
even if I crumble.

It's okay to move.

Matreshka

I am the last,
the one whose arms
enfold all others.

I will take rain
and hail, you will
be comforted.

My paint will chip,
yours will not
nicks of time

will not find you
you will remain
untouched my hearts

although you don't
even know
I'm here.

Note: “Matreshka” is one of the names for Russian nesting dolls which fit inside each other.