Cathedral

how deep this first-thawed night

on the edge of the north

beneath the stars

awakened solemn-sounding riffles

and many small-sounding voices

in the sweet accord of peace

and this first-dawn

when spring work begins in earnest

along this river

and in the ground

and in the sky

all this focused enthusiasm rolling out

new birds

new insects

new leaves in their buds

rejoicing everywhere

spreads a wakening mantle

for miles