Saturday, June 16, 2007

conversation with a Bradford Pear tree

I was not bred
for sadness,
(she said)

so when on that brief day in May
you were afraid
to turn your head
down my alleyway

fearing that the sheer weight of my blossoms
pressing outward into the universe
would overwhelm your heart

I smiled--
so strange you are

your hairs like sweet stamens
catching the sun--I think of petals
as your body unfolds

unthinking as mine does
fresh as the whiteness
that settles like a flock
on my bony twigs

Now, even in brown August
my breath is starry
like yours is, in your lover's eyes

and even now
the storm of my blooming
that pulled you shivering
into its vortex

has not released you

10 Comments:

Blogger Pat Paulk said...

I've had a few talks with my BP's but never any as beautiful as this. You have such an amzing talent.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007 at 7:38:00 AM EDT  
Blogger Yes said...

Pat--Do you have Bradford Pear trees in your yard?
If so, how lucky you are!
The ones I visit are lined up along the cemeteries and housing projects in the city--quite a fabulous sight every year! (But for an terribly short time)
Thanks for your generous comment--I do appreciate it!

Wednesday, June 20, 2007 at 8:58:00 PM EDT  
Blogger Clare said...

Hi Firebird -- this is so lovely, right from the first lines all the way through. I especially love the lines "I was not bred for sadness" and "my breath is starry". Very nice.

Thursday, June 21, 2007 at 1:03:00 AM EDT  
Blogger Pat Paulk said...

Yes I do, but their shade is killing my grass. Their bloosoms do last too short a time.

Thursday, June 21, 2007 at 9:24:00 AM EDT  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Some very good lines in here which stay in mind.

Friday, June 22, 2007 at 12:29:00 PM EDT  
Blogger Yes said...

Clare--Thank you so much for your generous comment--it really makes my day! You are so kind...

Pat--I can sympathize with your grass situation--perhaps a ground cover instead? (less to mow)
There are some shade-tolerant grass seed avaiable, also.

Gautami--I appreciate your comment--especially since I have a clue how busy you are! Thanks again...

Sunday, June 24, 2007 at 10:40:00 AM EDT  
Blogger gracie said...

what a lovely thing to bloom beside a cemetery! Trees speak to me too... this is beautiful, firebird.

Monday, June 25, 2007 at 10:17:00 PM EDT  
Blogger Yes said...

Thank you, Gracie--
I'm glad trees speak to you, it's a blessing! The most beautiful sight is these blooming trees all lined up in a row like an endless cloud of white...

Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 12:01:00 PM EDT  
Blogger Bird said...

I've not visited for awhile and am sorry I haven't - for I've missed out on this. I do so much love your poetry.

And so I have tagged you for 8 random facts about you (in hopes you'll do it poem form).

Thursday, July 12, 2007 at 9:21:00 PM EDT  
Blogger Yes said...

Bird--Don't feel bad --I've been a stranger here myself lately--

You know I can't resist a challenge--I'll do my best to comply!
(And thanks for thinking of me...)

Friday, July 13, 2007 at 10:41:00 PM EDT  

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