A Leaf

O clean-cut leaf,
O pure white paper,
And you hold the power
To breathe and share,
To thrice undo the life
That trails as fine webs
Of burgeoning doubt.

Upon your veins,
Mirrors of the soul,
You scatter laughter,
You absorb the light
And unfurl my breath’s lullabies—
To cherish nature’s moan
Deep in your green secret.

— D.H. Lawrence

• DH Lawrence