The Day After

The day that followed . . . Blossomed blue, bright . . . beautiful Clouds towering into the heavens Wheeling white, wonderful . . . wordless The clouds danced in the expanse Rolling on a sea of silence Sailing soft, supple . . . serene Saw nothing Cared nothing Floated away Alone . . . . . blind . . . . . marvelous mute! The trees . . . The trees reveled in their own wild E m o t I o n s Old Man Walnut – a true heart-wood Big boned brooded black Dark, dangerous, defiant Lady oak took red at the edges A deep striking flame-red Her heart a luscious lively living green A gentlewoman of a long experience Patient, Peaceful, persistent and powerful Elms burst yellow – effulgent Cried for attention Demanded attention Wind whistled wantonly through her leaves Tall, tenacious, testy, temerarious Some of the maples slurred A bright primary red Like harlots laughing, listening, languishing Showed interest but cared for nothing The Sweetgums stood aloof Star-shaped leaves Like bruises oozing deep purple At first draft S N T A O K O E D D Abused . . . abandoned . . . alone Crape Myrtles cluster together Gossiping busy-bodies Bursting orange with outrageous desire Watching, wanting, waiting, wanton Modest were the Aspens Slender and graceful Giggling trees But where they were They were so many They could afford to be Modest, monomorphic, musical, memorable The Pines and firs Raising forth green among the colors Unchanging Unwilling to change Criticizing by their contrast every other change The Woods The woods The chaotic woods The heartless forest And the trees . . . . . . . .The boughs, leafs, limbs, roots That whole glorious community Simply went about its Natural business Another day in creation. Live and Love Generously