Rite of Spring
A bulb is particular about its planting;
each requiring so many inches
to push a flower into sunlight.
The devoted gardener dutifully
digs out the bulbs, cleaves brethren
then reunites them in an enlarged sanctuary.
Ground bone is sprinkled in their resting chamber,
earth shelters the delicate paper robes
and dried blood is spread around their dwelling
to ward off evil spirits.
If the depth of their commitment is true
the buds will double
and resurrection assured.
—Jo Jensen, Madison, WI
