The January Effect

by victoria

 

 

 

 

I liked where my hand was
a moment ago,

 

but even this is changing.

 

They say the way January goes
so goes the year,

 

and China’s market had plunged
into the open mouth of a lily
hiding underground.

 

So goes meaning, so
slips mystification—

 

these evening colors lingering
over morning, that hill west of now

 

and darkening.

 

Even though I know
the folly in forecasting,

 

I’m asking the ears

 

of August corn
in the freezer

 

if I should buy into this year,

 

even though I know
it will take the whole season

 

to pull a harvest from the soil.

 

The want was enough
to keep my hand there.

 

Originally published in: Denver Quarterly