Poetry By
C.B. Anderson
Published on: 1/14/2016
Evening Approaches on the Fourth
... Here once the embattled farmers stood... — Ralph Waldo Emerson, from "Concord Hymn" Some large exfoliating tawny patches Of bark hang loosely from the river birch Which shades our patio, and they remind Us of the parchment signed Two centuries ago when State and Church Were one. A robin catches A caterpillar on the ground, and thus Seems fully fit and able to declare Its independence. While mosquitoes hover Like suitors round a lover, Aggressive squads of swifts patrol the air Above, defending us From reinforcements. Many kinds of flowers Close up at night, but we have planted others That open after dark: They summon moths As checkered tablecloths Might summon us, and like attentive mothers We watch them play for hours.
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