Harsh Winter for the Dogwood Tree and Me

Linda Leedy Schneider

Clusters of white flowers
only on the tips of its branches,
not the usual white cloud
that scattered confetti-like petals
in other springs.

I watch and know I am losing
clusters of memories,
the names to write on checks,
whole days, my old lovers’ names,
kinds of birds and flowers.
I once knew them all, but I do remember
the dogwood’s name and for her
next spring will be better.