Grace Hazard Conkling

YOU should have seen the griffin in the pine-tree

With stars for eyes!

You are my own,

Mine, though I never found you.

There was the hollow valley

With its river,

There was the big magnolia

Strung with moons …

I look for you …

Love makes my feet unsteady.

One day

The perul in the garden was on fire with tanagers …

I saw it burning.

I wonder where you were?

Yesterday the flower woman brought me violets …

Cape jasmine … dark roses …

When are you coming?

Today the yucca has finished building her tower of ivory …

It is late …

What excuse will you offer?