The third day

(to you it shall be for meat)

As you watch, the trunk of the oak
is split sideways, the bark's
brown gashed and glistening;
along the stream's horizon a log
                         drifts,
                      turning.
There is a light and yet tenacious 
covering that holds the soil, that
surfaces as separate strands of green,
but underneath
       is inextricable.
       (Scents of simples, and
       the sweetness of stone-fruits,
   citrus, vines.)
The breast is swollen,
the children awaited.

( to the contents page.)