OUT OF SEASON CALVES

Out of season calves
appear one day, indicating
things gone wrong in the
irretrievable
past.

How they flesh out neglect, holes in fences,
unperceived shortcomings in one’s plans.
Yet there they are, robust,
sprightly creatures shimmering
in the morning

like new leaves; dear
to whom they’ve come
as breath itself, misbegotten
signs of what, we pray, shall ever keep
in this world.