As time goes by
white paint flakes
like falling lily petals;
shutters lose hinges
leaving gaps in walls
like an old man
whistling through
his piano-key smile.

In front a grassy tangle
of poppies bloom
brilliant orange;
spring after spring.

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Diane Webster’s work has appeared in North Dakota Quarterly, New English Review, Studio One and other literary magazines. She had micro-chaps published by Origami Poetry Press in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. Diane has been nominated for Best of the Net and a Pushcart. She was a featured writer in Macrame Literary Journal and WestWard Quarterly. Her website is: www.dianewebster.com.