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