In fall,the Big Leaf maples warm in color,and in time will let gotheir dying leaves.By December, the ungiving stalksof the American Sweetgum are bare and still, even in wind.We walk beside the woodyardlate one afternoon,and my mother says, “The leaves are turning on the alders,” and nods.Her skin, the best clock, a sundial in the angled light;I do not know her [...]
