Maidenhair

Saint Paul, 6 November 2005

Inspired by observing a Ginkgo tree in late fall

Purse your lips early November

To fan the spark of the sublime

To ensure you’re present the morning

The Maidenhair sends forth her leaves

Fan-shaped panes of glass

Break headlong for the sidewalk

Seasons solitary and double

Consent at once to surrender

A poem in Goethe’s hand

Reveals a posthumous request

Two leaves solitary and double

Held fast by a manuscript