Molly Frederick’s most recent poem to appear here was Apple Blossoms (September 2013).

Afternoon Pine
By Molly Frederick

The shine on longleaf pine needles,
star-like, white silver,
gleams

So near
the forest-green filaments
as to seem a part of them.
……………But we know better.
Highlights spinning across green edges
make it always seem
a tree found mid-afternoon.
Balanced plumpness on every branch
fills eyes and ears with sight-sounds
smoother than green silk slippers
dancing with the light.

Note how the long needles glitter
like a breeze all their own. Brushing aside
uncertainties,
to fill every space with green.