Eight Pinecones
By: Ms. Juliet
 
A single tree towers over my house.
In autumn, the sound of its pinecones
thump hard against the roof.
This morning, I collect eight before 
the squirrels make breakfast of them.
Am I the first person to place pinecones 
in Trick-or-Treat bags along with the candy?
Maybe.
But these are unprecedented times.
My gifts will be delivered contactless.
And when I saw these perfectly shaped
seedpods resting on my walkway,
I thought of you.
My dear fifth grade students,
growing despite the harsh weather,
pushing toward the dappled sunlight
all the while spreading your branches
so very wide.