The Cottonwood

 

shallow roots
likely to topple
soft wood of no value except
for pulp

leaf shaped
like a broken heart

loves western creeks
casting seeds
prairie breeze
song of meadowlark
fluttering butterfly
children who climb

shade from
harsh light
to the little fish in
deep pools

unappreciated scrub on marginal land
seeking some
small measure
of grace


from Son of a Poet

© Copyright 1986 and 2000 by Joe Cottonwood