Penance
by Shelia Peters

Out of October darkness
snow on the morning
light entirely changed
the blackened umbrellas
of cow parsnip
dangle Mexican pompoms
tangled willows
reveal their geometry
even the grizzled dog
steps daintily.

Just yesterday I hesitated
over the persistence of hollyhocks
left rooted
sunbright calendulas
only sniffed
two fading roses.

Cornflowers blinked
from the compost
forgiving me
even as I covered them
with ashes.

To this wrenching
from cooling clay
to this autumn
shriving
the snow offers absolution.