Tin Whistle Class
by Dunstan Skinner

Most have tips that are green
breathy and soft in their tone
like the smell of the heather;
made in Ireland.

Our teacher plays like a bird
and recommends a blue whistle
thistle sharp, made of nickel,
most likely to call a true note.

Mine has a red tip and brass body
pocked with dents, shine worn away,
warm in my hand as a stone.
On this I'll find the center of a tune.

But Morgan, age six, gathers light
from life, sparking in childhood alchemy;
hers will be black.
She knows colors are common.

Dunstan Skinner is a student at The Evergreen State College.