May 13
On this sly May day
Cold wind from Canada
Rackets down the North Shore
Across the water where
A sailboat tacks against the tide.
The oak has leaves
The size of a mouse ear;
Frail shad blossoms
Last about a week,
Then blow away.
Yellow jonquils and finches
Flare in the bare woods
And the broom you planted
Will bloom golden next month.
Forty Six years ago
It was this same crazy Spring,
And holding you, I heard a parade
Over on Fifth Avenue.
I looked at your newborn face
And knew I was sunk;
Helplessly in love
With someone who would leave.
Elinore Standard
From Updown Dogtown
Author, editor, and poet Elinore Standard and her husband, Michael, have been seasonal residents of Chilmark for 45 years. For many summers, they were here with their son, Sam, now 46.
The Martha’s Vineyard Times welcomes contributions to Poet’s Corner. Dan Waters, former poet laureate of West Tisbury, will select poems to be published here. Submissions should be directed to dan@indianhillpress.com.