Hawthorn. Huckleberry. Rain on
magnolia petals.
Under the arbutus, miniature urns
and the scent of honey.
Under the cherry, pink mulch.
Girls braiding streamers; skipping this way,
that way, over and under,
laying a plait. May Day practice.
Hands that bled from the thorns. My friend’s
mother’s wedding bouquet of hawthorn blossoms.