In Early April
by Ted Kooser
A tree in blossom is a passing cloud
that floats from some warmer place
then slows and snows itself away,
a blizzard of petals that will take
your breath away if you are there,
aware of what’s about you, petals
in drifts on the sidewalk, each
with a delicate fragrance that sticks
to the toe of your shoe as your scuff
your way along. All this can occur
in the space of a day, even an hour.
Can you be present when it happens
or will your thoughts have skipped off
into summer and the life beyond?
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