April is National Poetry Month! David Ignatow, "Three in Transition," "Anew"

Two by David Ignatow.

Three in Transition

I wish I understood the beauty
in leaves falling. To whom
are we beautiful
as we go?

I lie in the field
still, absorbing the stars
and silently throwing off
their presence. Silently
I breathe and die
by turns.

He was ripe
and fell to the ground
from a bough
out where the wind
is free
of the branches.



Anew

Dante forgot to say,
Thank you, Lord, for sending me
to hell. I find myself happier
than when I was ignorant.
I am left helpless
but more cheerful.
Nothing could be worse
than to start ignorant again.
And so I look to you
to help me love my life
anew.