tree story #62: And Trees Caught Fire
Early this morning, the sun came
too near the earth
and trees caught fire.
Midday, broad embers remain,
leaf-shaped,
flame-shaded.
Slowly, they crisp and fall.
Dusk haze rises from the ground
like smoke, unable to
smother the glow.
Even the pond seems to burn.
Fallfleshed, mooncold,
black on black,
the trees conspire
against the distant star.
In the morning,
they blaze again.
Throwing back their light,
they mock the sun.
Brigit Truex
