Poems December 1997
Brilliant
i. First thought
The leaves are in their retirement. For some, its the best
time of life: a free fall, or free-for-all, having paid ones dues
and albeit less than cordially shaken hands
with mortality. And what a show, the leaves late coloratura!
The leaves are in their retirement. For some, its the best
time of life: a free fall, or free-for-all, having paid ones dues
and albeit less than cordially shaken hands
with mortality. And what a show, the leaves late coloratura!
ii. Second thought
By the mill in Broadalbin, at the ponds ardent request,
leaves step into the role of autumn water lilies, adrift in twos
and threes on lily pads of cloud. A crowd of evergreens stands
in the first ring, not leaving. Nor do I, the reviewer.
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This article originally appeared in The New Criterion, Volume 16 Number 4, on page 35
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