some years ago there came an errant kite
from heights unknown, descending breeze with glee.
in drifting down, it veered off course in flight
and snagged upon the tallest poplar tree.
despite the frantic pull of frightened wind,
the kite was lost and stranded far astray.
each time i passed, its color waned and thinned
from red to pink, from pink to ghastly gray.
it languished there upon its poplar perch
until its silk dissolved to drooping thread
and then one day there came a sudden lurch
as cotton clouds of seed were flung and shed.
the kite’s remains reclaimed their place on high
as slivers shimmered sweetly through the sky.