Madame Broussard's Other Rite of Spring

When the first full moon after Easter
as white as a lily brightens the night sky
and wind blows the rushes silver,

place three apples held from harvest
in a basket softened by last summer’s grass,
three round, red fruits for the Marys
and a switch of sage for Sara.

Then place your gift in the pearled light
and with it, a glass of eau de vie
for la Reine des roseaux,

the girl whose reflection
you can never quite see.