The Vibrant Channeled Creator

The Writer’s Almanac for Thursday, March 17, 2022


Paint for the Baby’s Room


Margaret Hasse

Tumbleweed, Ostrich Egg,


Algonquin—who dreams up


these names for paint on color strips,


labels, and formulas for mixing?

Who thinks of Homeland,


Cedar Chest, Alameda Red?


Of Raleigh Green, good for exteriors,


and Lemongrass for trim?

Poets! To name products


paint companies must hire those


who know the connotations of color,


who know how to be brief and stunning.

Water Mirror is light gray


like May rain or pencil tips.


The beige of Oatmeal Bath


works well with Upbeat Blue.

In a room of Yellow Water Lily,


a little boy lies in a crib.


He is the hue of Warm Earthenware


with a mouth of Deep Mulberry.
 
Margaret Hasse, “Paint for the Baby’s Room” from Summoned. © 2021 Margaret Hasse published by Nodin Press.