VOTUM

by Ursula K. Le Guin

Let it be clear, a clear day

from the eastern ridges to the sea.

Let the oak be dropping

its long fragile flowers

onto the ground under the branches.

Let no cloud gather in the sky,

no wind disturb the fall of the flowers.

Let the shadow lie under the branches

silent on the ground.

Let the oak outlive me

by a hundred flowerings.