The pecan grove

January 24, 2000

In winter, the grove off 67

looks like a settlement abandoned -

all whistling wind and slow collapse,

splintered limbs sagging like rafters.

Invisible to winter, foretold in roots,

the paper shells and wreath-green leaves

will return, every tree a gift

bearing gifts, every emptiness filled.

(c) Copyright 2000. The Christian Science Publishing Society