today, a poem from Nebraska

COTTONWOOD

William Kloefkorn

1982 Nebraska State Poet

Teach us of roots, 

Of the soft diurnal showering of seed. 

Aware of soil and water, speak then to us of fire:

How driftwood moves on borrowed stems, 

How elemental are the gatherings.

With branches splayed

Describe the broad blue seasons, 

And their winds. Say it:

Because of me the roosted bird is tiny, 

The lighting more than likely. 

However then transected, 

Chant with your breadth a liturgy of growth rings. 

Ooze from your impacted pores

The simple juice of need:

Of roots, becoming as they are, 

Of the soft diurnal showering of seed.