First Signs Poem by GORDON GILHULY

one:

a first flame of red curling at the edge

of leaves easing around the corners

of trees response to the long slow

annual death to cycles



the leaves ripe - waiting - carefully prepared

by slanting light on the dying cusp

by growing old waxing slow bringing

the necessary end to green dreams



two:

a curling answer of smoke eases

around the corners of the wood response

to long preparation to prayer

the wood dry - waiting - carefully shaved



and laid on yesterday's crumpled paper yesterday's

disasters and histrionics used cars

and financial dreams becoming today's

smoke advance news of flame of metamorphosis



three:

the maiden thrust of rouge flaunted

at the verge of snow outrageous

fulfillment of tulips culmination of

the necessity of going on of never surrendering



scarlet letters written on the brow

of winter announce the act the

maidenhead of ice is breached flowers

fondle with long new fingers



four:

our eyes meet