Pleated Skirts

 

Get close enough

to the American Beech

in late April, so that

you can take its pulse,

and examine the

narrow, tapered buds,

sharp as a  pencil point,

and notice them swelling

until they unfold

their coppery sheaths,

to reveal young leaves;

soft, tender, and wearing

green pleated skirts.

© 2024 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. 2. 3. & 4. Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan