Stevens Park
by Paul J. Willis
Purple sage and purple nightshade,
mingled in the morning sun,
wild roses and nasturtium,
sweet bay laurel lately won
by our recent poet laureate,
who, if she by chance were here,
would give words to each new blossom,
rhyme to scan this time of year.
But since she dwells in the city,
our own words will have to do.
Who can say what is the essence
of these flowers—or of you?
Purple sage and purple nightshade,
mingled in the morning sun,
wild roses and nasturtium
bloom a while. And then we’re done.