Paul Willis

Coast Live Oak

(Quercus agrifolia)

Live oak, in spring you prove
     you really are. New shoots,
light green and tender,
     chartreuse fireworks.

Sourgrass

(Oxalis pes-caprae)

Sourgrass, your blossom
is closed up at dawn,
a yellow trumpet,
blazing the news of dew again.

Scrub Oak

(Quercus dumosa)

Fire-scalded oak,
      just one year later
your new shoots
     are overtaking
your dead chest
     and your dead shoulders.

Riparian

Young eucalyptus in the shade,
     you reach and reach
until the sun says,
     Where have you been?

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