Twin Red Oaks by Russell Rowland

If that Federal-style house on Route 107
ever aspires to B&B, “Twin Oaks” is what it will call itself.

The pair out front have been together
since they were acorns. Old-school, however—minimum
public display of affection. Oh,

they nod to each other over private arboreal concerns,
shared memories of the hurricane.

By midsummer, it’s difficult to tell whose foliage is whose.

Trunks don’t touch—
just stand like people waiting to be properly introduced.

But underground, with only moles, worms, water veins,
and rocks to notice, these two
are holding hands. And if one ever topples to gale forces,

we know the other will catch and support it.



Russell Rowland writes from New Hampshire. Recent work appears in Wilderness House, Bookends Review, and The Windhover. His latest poetry book, Magnificat, is available from Encircle Publications. He is a trail maintainer for the Lakes Region (NH) Conservation Trust.