hymn 1
when i return broken the tree i used to before winter
climb the neighbor saw to its low branches reborn
in history stilled each visit drop you spiny spheres •
two seeds released, open stumbling brother maybe
sweetgum one sister three • furrowed ridges i wasn’t
too much trouble you said, river, a seedling browsed
by birds, squirrels when no one • i used to before
dying rise in glory twigs winged brown and stout
the terminal bud is large purple scales • in the living
room cards played while climbing if footholds grow
we may once gumballs prickle the ground every body
lost wearing leaves like stars
hymn 1
make like a tree and sap division apple dangle tempting
a rib recast shape well tried means a pattern addled
will • such gardens recommend fusion yet a forking
where tongue or heart should • canopy, that bloomed
twice for pie tree then never in the yard glory scattered
our cells as years passed trying to split into one and
one yield for gapping, muscle accrue (bone) white
and skin sewn, stretched to a shape formed askew •
a body whorled, tightly christened, adorned and seeming
to screw • three sisters as so many myths number
a symmetry we play dying to believe this will
not always follow is no proof is elm is ashen delivered