after the party

In the late summer, our magnolia tree's seed pods turn a rich,
vibrant red in celebration of summer's end. As I swept up the dried
pods and leaves from the patio floor this morning, I couldn't help but
notice how beautiful they were. Don't you think the small dark green
leaf in the center looks like an ancient Trojan mask? Nature's confetti,
after the masquerade party of summer.

Here something stubborn comes,

Dislodging the earth crumbs

And making crusty rubble,

And looks like a green staple.

It could be seedling maple,

Or artichoke, or bean.

That remains to be seen.

from Seed Leaves by Richard Wilbur

mossy, late summer birdbath on the patio