Thoreau

The Table in Sunlight

by Amy Belding Brown

His table stands
in sunlight under pines
while he scrubs the floor
with sand and water
from the pond,
sweeps the darkness
out the open door,
stands, musing at the sight
of his community of furniture
gathered in mute conversation,
legs set down in vines
and cones of pines,
his pen and books impatient
for his touch. Nearby
a bird sings from a branch
and beyond, a sword of light
strikes water, rings
a gong of wonder
in his heart.

June 17, 2001

Copyright © Amy Belding Brown