The Secrets of Earth and Moon, after Edward Steichen, 1904

Creatures like us are not meant

to know the secrets of earth

and moon at twilight. Quiet!

and look: the shroud of fog

recedes from the looking-glass lake.

Pine and poplar stand

sentinel, more alert and steady

in their reflection than on their mossy

banks. They’re waiting for the moon

and her glance above the shoulder

of the forest. Higher still,

she regards herself one long

last time before her lonesome

overhead obligations commence.