MAGNOLIA

Amazed, abashed, we behold the magnolia burst
From winter skeleton–trunk, branches, twigs–
With just a hint of tiny knobby sprigs
Of green. And now explodes a universe

Of pink and cream and purple blossoms. All
Is color: sunrise bright, Renoir fleshy–
No hint of bones–all skin, youthful and fresh
Aglow for love. (A mil1ion)bees assail

Her ready ripeness, track and stir the ten thousand,
Consummate her glory week, before
The petals wilt and drop, and ulterior
Leaves replace the beacon-torch, and solemn

Seed-fruit swells. Behind the massing verdure
The skeleton waits and grows with patient fervor.

(20, 5/15/92)

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