Work (?) In Progress

What I Used to Know

I understood
that dandelions
are beautiful
as dahlias and
the cheesemaker's daughter
delightful

I knew
the grace of grasshoppers
equals
the pomp of presidents
or peacocks and
pigeons stand iridescent in sun

I suspected
there is less
to people
than they
let on
and more

and I knew
my flesh was holy
as communion bread
or Wonder Bread
and Mogen David wine
after blessing

I heard pines
whisper
prayers
that
went
unanswered

I saw the early signs
the dancers on aching toes
yet I never doubted
perfection
the questions
in the eyes of does

~ Ralph Murre

note: "work in progress" refers to the poem, not the building!