Sweetgum Ball

I felt a prick upon my finger

and lifted the culprit out of

the pile of leaves

my jump had crushed.

I studied its barbed-wire

and my skin was pricked once more.

I cried out for my mother

who lifted me from the scarlet leaves

and took the spikey ball from my hand.

She brushed off my coat

and brought me inside.

Every year those medieval morning stars fall,

seed pods keeping their kin from harm.

Campbell Jenkins