The Crowded Tree

[MoonyLuna]

However, whenever whispered, whatever said,
Prayers blow out the windows
And tangle on
The way to heaven in a tree.

Some sound like leaves: Brittle: Wishes: Please.

Some boast, swinging on a golden pail
Among the lightest, scentless fruit.
No reason why.
What is above the head smells divine.

Most never rise above a tree. Demands,
Woven whatnots, green the
Grief, white, denial,
Snag in, why not, lavender nests.

Not yet: Tedious begging twig embedded.

Hope against hope against crows,
Shiny as officious chimeras,
Possibilities,
Going nowhere: So far.


Copyright
Judith Hall

[MoonyLuna]

Featured Poet
Judith Hall


Judith Hall's recent books are Three Trios, translations of J II (Northwestern University Press, 2007), and Poetry Forum (Bayeux Arts, 2007), a collaboration with David Lehman which she illustrated.