saturday, july 5 8:30 am - poetry by maurice kenny

First Rule

Stones must form a circle first not a wall

Open so that it may expand

To take in new grass and hills

Tall pines and a river

Expand as sun on weeds, an elm, robins;

The prime importance is to circle stones

Where footsteps are erased by winds

Assured old men and wolves sleep

Where children play games

Catch snow flakes if they wish;

Words cannot be spoken first

As summer turns spring

Caterpillars into butterflies

New stones will be found for the circle;

It will ripple out a pool

Grown from the touch

Of a water-spider’s wing;

Words cannot be spoken first

That is the way to start

With stones forming a wide circle

Marsh marigolds in bloom

Hawks hunting mice

Boys climbing hills

To sit under the sun to dream

Of eagle wings and antelope;

Words cannot be spoken first