It does not seem fair
in all the measures of life
that our heavy ways
hang in expectance
on these tiny buds
just now swelling

as if even trifle error
could be swept long past
by the miracle wrought
when young leaves
break their cocoons.

We are at the gallows,
bewildered, then resurrected,
by the earth covered on end
with unbound green
regaining its place
on thawed branches.

——
For Adelaide on her one month birthday.