SYSTEM PSALM

SYSTEM PSALM (to Maria Elizabeth "Lisel" Hallen)

This book is made of paper leaves
That grew on poplar trees –
That stood upon a hill beside
A meadow made by bees –

Who danced a map from hive to bloom –
From blossom back to home –
Where honey gilt the palaces
Of wax and latticed comb –

Next to a cabin made of logs –
Wherein a daughter slept –
Who never walked when she awoke
But danced, entranced, and leapt –

Whose parents both were pioneers –
Survivors of The Fire –
Whose children were the siblings of
My grandfather – grandsire.

(6 January 2011, Pleasant Grove, Utah)