Rhodora in Winter

Rhodora in winter, capsule like a claw, 

remains of the 5-part flower Emerson saw, 

gone to seed. Deciduous blossoms

have their own winter beauty and a power

akin to the fittest's survival, self-same

that brought me, musing, here. Large globose buds! 

(that dwarf the rose's but not the butternut's)  

discern it from other Ericaceae that

surround this inland wetland. The Lord

all claim to worship is not superior

to thou. I'm passing through naming you, 

your parts, and the autumn elaeagnus who

is your neighbor. Good a walk as it gets

before edible understory herbs sprout.