The Linden Tree
By Ilse Kramer
I sit in the shade
Of the linden tree
Where I long ago lost my childhood
I am back
I am wearing
The ladybug dress
And I know that my cheeks
Are cardinal-red
I have pigtails
With ribbons
But they do not make me
What I once was
The old tree stands tall
And does not know me at all
I touch the trunk
And its wrinkled bark
Then I get up and pin up my hair
And put on my suit
And make up my face
And go on with my grown-up life
Ilse Kramer is the Poet Laureate of Central Congregational Church.