Trailing fingers in cool grass
she considers the delicate spirea,
its old names-the bridal wreath,
hardhack and meadowsweet-this tracery
and dessication after all.

Over her head a pear tree in full
noisome bloom whispers in Middle
English of "The Merchant's Tale,"
of blisse in marriage, how beauty
and decay may intertwine.

Then, rising, she lifts up a branch
to carry indoors to the fireplace,
where sparks will kindle quickly, for
pear is the most ardent wood, and white
or green will wither and blaze forth.

Author: Ellin Carter

Artist: Linda Dumas

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