Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, CROCUS, by ALFRED FRANCIS KREYMBORG


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

CROCUS, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: When trees have lost remembrance of the leaves
Last Line: And then lead on again the universe?
Subject(s): Crocuses; Earth; Plants; Universe; World; Planting; Planters


When trees have lost remembrance of the leaves
that spring bequeathes to summer, autumn weaves
and loosens mournfully -- this dirge, to whom
does it belong -- who treads the hidden loom?

When peaks are overwhelmed with snow and ice,
and clouds with crepe bedeck and shroud the skies --
nor any sun or moon or star, it seems,
can wedge a path of light through such black dreams --

all motion cold, and dead all trace thereof:
What sudden shock below, or spark above,
starts torrents raging down till rivers surge --
that aid the first small crocus to emerge?

The earth will turn and spin and fairly soar,
that couldn't move a tortoise foot before --
and planets permeate the atmosphere
till misery depart and mystery clear! --

And yet, so insignificant a hearse? --
who gave it the endurance so to brave
such elements? -- shove winter down a grave? --
and then lead on again the universe?





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