Lake Superior, 2006 (2006)

Hail cheerful floret, growing mid the stones
Of Superior's shores, beneath the arch
Of autumn's ominous vesture and its groans –
A tempest onslaught and relentless march.

Such tender petals clinging by a breath,
Their yellow joy against the sullen rock,
So poised as though a moment and their death
Will, pouncing, tear them from your slender stalk.

And yet I sense some hidden strength remains
And perseveres in each defiant bloom,
Which could not be dismayed though all the rains
Of autumn's malice prophesy their doom.

For why should beauty fear the mortal claw
Of any nature?  Bloom on floret bold!
Though ages pass, as this one, dead and cold,
Such beauty is its own eternal law.