Spring Planting

For Julianna A. Luntz Van Raan

1950-1998

A morning call wakes me
with the news about Julie:
something hard and fibrous in her leg
growing fast and uncontrolled
that can't be weeded out.
Through my bedroom window
I study winter rye in March
swinging on strong stems.
Down below, dandelions wait
to fill the meadow with stars.
I wish I could plant Julie's leg
in a warm tangle of earth,
turn her face toward the sun
and let her nurse on spring rain
until she flowers in a field,
wild and deep as a dandelion.

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