noontime forests

[fledgist]

if we will measure only the green glow

of noontime forests we may not learn all

that we desire the way that the slight fall

of tired leaves has marked off what we know

from what is hidden not a daily show

but something that might lead us just to call

our hearts to action the sun must stand tall

above our heads and our feet not be slow

not now the time for hope in magic forms

our choices must be urgent and depend

upon the blending of our thought and sight

it is our duty to obey the norms

not to bow down before each changing trend

but always to proclaim the rising light