Violets
Down by the rumbling creek and the tall trees—
…. where I went truant from school three days a week
…….. and therefore broke the record—
there were violets as easy in their lives
….. as anything you have ever seen
……… or leaned down to intake the sweet breath of.
Later, when the necessary houses were built
…… they were gone, and who would give significance
………. to their absence.
Oh, violets, you did signify, and what shall take
…… your place?
by Mary Oliver
from Evidence
Beacon Press, 2009