Winter Trees
July 6, 2023Tract
July 6, 2023Waiting
When I am alone I am happy.
The air is cool. The sky is
flecked and splashed and wound
with color. The crimson phalloi
of the sassafras leaves
hang crowded before me
in shoals on the heavy branches.
When I reach my doorstep
I am greeted by
the happy shrieks of my children
and my heart sinks.
I am crushed.
Are not my children as dear to me
as falling leaves or
must one become stupid
to grow older?
It seems much as if Sorrow
had tripped up my heels.
Let us see, let us see!
What did I plan to say to her
when it should happen to me
as it has happened now?
William Carlos Williams
William Carlos Williams (1883-1963) was an American poet and physician who was associated with the Modernist movement. He is known for his use of everyday language and for his experiments with form and style. His most famous works include "Spring and All" and "The Red Wheelbarrow." Williams was also a mentor to many younger poets, including Allen Ginsberg.