Signs of Summer

She emerged from the endless sea of corn with tassel strands
of blond clinging to the blush of loveliness protected
by the shade of a wide-rimmed blue-ribboned hat

I suppose, German or Norwegian seed transplanted long ago
to this midwestern fertile region of northwestern Illinois

a wild flower that has grown beside the road that parts these
patchwork fields past Plato, the small village to the south
from where she stands, brown boots ankle deep in rich black soil

hands cling the gathered corners of a cross-stitched flower pattern apron
she lovingly repaired with blue thread and silver needle
the night before, by candlelight

a grandmother's treasured gift that today carries
sweet corn carefully selected to be sold at the

                                     Farmers' Market
                                    Thursdays
                                     From 3:00 to 6:00
                             
                                      Cash Only

                                             --Tony Cardoso

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