The Coldest Fire in the World
Black Gum leaf is crimson black
And on a branch a red winged hawk
Dark becomes the autumn dusk
Through the branches crossed and blessed
Electric yellow in the west
Mice go timid from their nests
Down the yellow poplar tree
Leaves let go, the hands float free
The owl in the dark will see
But in the morning many bare
The hawk can see her rightful share
Fox returning to her lair
Red her flame is visible
The coldest fire in the world
Except the maple tree unfurled
Pavel
November 13, 2011