she knows the shadows she casts

 

on an occasional visit

to a far corner of the garden

the palo dulce tree in full flower

white sprigs waving in the breeze

tells me of the abidding of trees

it's hot 

the winds blow in from up north

where the world is on fire

and I am wondering about shade

where it may fall and when

she in her lush rooted sweetness

knows

she witnesses the movement of the sun

from horizon to horizon

and even knows nocturnal shadows 

intimately

all around her shadows 

form and dissolve changing shape 

stitching a gown that is the dance itself 

sometimes like lace

sometimes like ruffles 

sometimes hanging heavy like muslin

then ineffable 

taking flight on the air

her ball gown is haute couture

a dark transparent body 

forming and dissolving

changing shape

here and not here

there and not there

the palo dulce

native to this land

through drought and rain

through clouds moonlight and sun

abides endures and even flourishes

she knows the dance of the shadows she casts

--  Lorena