The weather report said gusts up to fifty

The weather report said gusts up to fifty,

so I’m sitting in the kitchen with the lights low,

listening to the siding groan.

The windows are rattling in their tracks

like a set of loose teeth.

But the gate out back hasn't made a sound.

I remember the hammer hitting my thumb,

and the way the rusted nail bit into the cedar,

forcing the scrap wood to hold.

It’s the only thing in this yard

that isn't trying to come apart tonight.