Proclamation of a Birth, by Linda Pastan

The National Gallery of Art

Proclamation of a Birth, by Linda Pastan

Let every tree 

burst into blossom

whatever the season.

Let the snow melt

mild as milk

and the new rain wash

the gutters clean

of last year's 

prophecies.

Let the guns sweep out 

their chambers

and the criminals doze

dreaming themselves

back to infancy.

Let the sailors throw

their crisp white caps

as high as they can

which like so many doves

will return to the ark

with lilacs.

Let the frogs turn

into princes,

the princes to frogs.

Let the madrigals,

let the musical croakings

begin.