Lewis Alexander, "A Tree (To M.V.C.)" (1928)
Tender green eyes flashing,
To catch the eye of God
Thanking him for bounties
Flowing from the sod.
(Branches)
Praying arms outstretched
To the silent sky,
Penetrating vastness
For a mute reply.
(Body)
A brown gnarled vase
Lacquered with bark.
The resting place
Of a singing lark.
(Roots)
Tiny tripping toes
Pivoted in soil
That the swaying body
Never may recoil.
(L’envoi)
The dance of leaves is a beautiful thing.
The lyric of branches sweet.
The cry of a body bent by the wind
And roots rumbling in retreat.