Wild Asters

for Laurie Hertzel

When the nights cool

then bloom the asters at the wild edge

of the graveyard.

More white than blue

this fall, half flower, half feather,

a study in modesty.

We haven’t time for them,

not that they mind. We aren’t the mower

nor the browsing deer.

They haven’t time for us.

Quickly now, to seed before

the wind dies!