milkweed bast, gathered last night
in my meadow
about 18 years ago i gathered it, too
on skis, on deep snow pack
skating along on the polished surface
using a pack basket
instead of my pockets
i brought home the whole stalks
last night i peeled it
listening to the woodcock begin it's calling
delicious, lovely, strong
aimee and i have been writing about it
how much we love it
how everyone's milkweed paper is
appropriately their own
and the tiny pussys
are catkins
after this another
hot hot early spring day