for Wilma Deahl (1910-1990)
The winter wind
On a branch outside the window
A single apple.
Against the springhouse
Stalks of frozen wildflowers
Scrape white stone.
Standing in your kitchen
How quickly the darkness comes
As autumn closes.
Un-pruned since you left
That yellow rose twists around
The hollow wind.
The garden reclaimed!
Under the roof of the old barn
Swallow nests.
From “Under the Watchful Eye”
