Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

KEEPING UP WITH THE SIGNS by MADELINE DEFREES

Poet Analysis

First Line: MEADOWLARKS NESTING MARCH TO AUGUST YIELD
Last Line: THREE CLEAR NOTES DO NOT. WALK IN OPEN FIELD.
Subject(s): BIRDS; LARKS; SIGNS & SIGNBOARDS; SKYLARKS;
Meadowlarks nesting March to August yield
to summer traffic in the dovetailed grass.
Three clear notes. DO NOT WALK IN OPEN FIELD.

I run the way my feet suggest. Upheld
by ringing turf and larkspur flash, I chase
meadowlarks nesting. March to August yield

sways heavy on the cornstalked land I flailed
to find the spot where larks come less and less.
Three clear notes do not walk. In open field,

runways the wind lays flat, fill up. Revealed
in the natural clutch called happiness:
meadowlarks' nesting march to August yield

in the tilt of wind, rainswell and the cold
mating ground, to bed with the dangerous
three. Clear notes do not walk in open field.

I leave five clues for the field guide whose wild
speculation turns the head. Shells express
meadowlarks' nesting march to august yield.
Three clear notes do not. Walk in open field.



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