Daphne


From her winter garden 

     she picked 

     three blossoms, 

     pink, waxed, fluted

     in

        miniature orbs.


Oh veined leaves, jade

     balm to hand fatigued;

Oh dainty petals, coral

     gravure to eye filmed;

Oh fragrant daphne, spice

     proffer to spirit eroded.


How can I 

     measure,

     with these crude lines,

     a gesture so artless,

     a gift 

        so fine?

          Daphne


From her winter garden 

     she picked 

     three blossoms, 

     pink, waxed, fluted

     in

        miniature orbs.


Oh veined leaves, jade

     balm to hand fatigued;

Oh dainty petals, coral

     gravure to eye filmed;

Oh fragrant daphne, spice

     proffer to spirit eroded.


How can I 

     measure,

     with these crude lines,

     a gesture so artless,

     a gift 

        so fine?

          Daphne


From her winter garden 

     she picked 

     three blossoms, 

     pink, waxed, fluted

     in

        miniature orbs.


Oh veined leaves, jade

     balm to hand fatigued;

Oh dainty petals, coral

     gravure to eye filmed;

Oh fragrant daphne, spice

     proffer to spirit eroded.


How can I 

     measure,

     with these crude lines,

     a gesture so artless,

     a gift 

        so fine?