The Oak Sapling – a poem by William Palmer

The Oak Sapling

	
Released today
	from treatment 
		I buy a muffin
	
at Bay Bread Bakery
	At home 
		I peel the ribbed cup
	
with a fork 
	and take a small bite
		of carrot, raisin, and walnut  
		
with cream cheese frosting 
		
I pour coffee 
	into my blue mug
		then spoon out enough 

to carry 
	down the hall 
		without spilling
	 
Out my window leaves turn copper 
	in sunlight—I can’t tell 
		if they’re applauding or trembling 

   

William Palmer’s poetry has appeared recently in JAMA, J Journal, One Art, On the Seawall, Talking River Review, and The Westchester Review. He lives in Traverse City, Michigan.