Ah, memories

Many — if not most — of this madrona’s branches 

Are clearly dead, yet still she manages in spring 

To produce a few new panicles and pedicels — 

Sweet florets that are edible, 

Both now , and later, when they turn 

Into berries, great for stringing 

Into garlands that our children 

 Would drape around our Christmas tree — 

Ah, memories…