I come to stare at leaves as deep as snow, That have sent the roots to sea, that know A restlessness I, restless, know. I come to stare at leaves as deep as snow. 5 I turn the rake, send tines upended Not to use as I intended But to lean and stare as if deep in snow And hear the restless things I know: Too many things put aside or shunted 10 That had been centered when I started, Too many things a life must ask us,- So quick a quiet moment will unmask us. A moment's thought, and all disguise Resolves itself into surprise; 15 A moment more of wonder, even more, And ignorance the disguise restores. Leaves unsheltered by the coming wind Rub the half-bare trees where they began; They move as they would there once again 20 Climb to be leaves returned by wind. Deep behind the mask, a whisper knows There's an old hole of light to show Just where we've come, and yet may go, Among restless leaves as deep as snow.
From the collection "The Timid Leaper"
Written by Gregg Glory [Gregg G. Brown]
More information available on gregglory.com.