Dogwood

Forsythia comes first, then violet.
(Who watch for them through winter months agree)
Forsythia comes first, then violet
But till the dogwood bloom, it is not spring for me.

For dogwood was in bloom and spring returning
The day I made my choice (as finally youth must)
Between life’s two and two… yet oh! the slow heart’s learning:
First, dogwood bloom, then dogwood leaf, then—dust?

Forsythia fades first beside a road not taken.
I watch it come and go without regret.
Only a dogwood’s blooming sometimes leaves me shaken
Only a dogwood’s fading finds my lashes wet.