LATE WISDOM
WHEN YOU’RE A LEAF,
AND YOU’VE KNOWN
THE STRENGTH OF SPRING SUN
TO PULL YOU TOWARD
ITSELF,
AND WHEN YOU’VE KNOWN
THE JOY OF RAIN DROPS
SLITHERING DOWN YOUR SPINE,
AND WHEN YOU’VE HELD ON
WITH EVERY FIBER
IN YOUR STOCK
WHILE RIDING ON THE BRONCO BACK
OF WIND;
WHEN YOU RECALL
THE ENDLESS HOURS OF
THE LONGEST DAY
AND YOUR
SUPPLE FLUTTER IN
IT’S PERFECT LIGHT;
WHEN NOW, YOU FEEL
THE DAYS
GROW SHORT AND CHILL
AROUND YOUR
CHANGING HUES
AND BRITTLE VEINS;
WHEN YOU’RE A LEAF
AND YOU’VE KNOWN THESE THINGS
OF LIFE…
YOU DON’T RESIST
WHEN THE HOUR COMES...
FOR A SLOW
FREE FALL
TO THE UNKNOWN
EARTH BELOW.
SANDRA PEASLEY BUSH
2006
