Another Night Song

after "Night Song" by Lisel Mueller

Among children, I was the golden one
Among days, I was the dusk
Among trees, I was the supple birch
Among girls, the somber nun

Among fruit, now I am the drying fig
As mother, the tender ogre
Among seas, I am the sobbing foam
In springtime, the lusty redbud twig

Among birds, might I end my days
cardinal sharp or bunting bright
Among forests, I pray my final hours
Be glistened with the warbler's praise