Think First of Green
by
HELEN BEVINGTON
THINK first of green, of the green
It is now — the shimmering trees —
For you manage better than I
With a word’s inadequacies
(Though I really doubt anyone
Can recall green lilac or jade
In the willow). But try. But try.
Any green that you please.
You will see the dazzle I mean.
Choose merely the depth and shade
To leave most room in your head
For the color I had in mind,
Which was the incredible red,
Oh, shining among the trees,
Of the cardinal now in the sun.
The best way, you will find,
Is to start with green instead.
That is how it is done.
It is now — the shimmering trees —
For you manage better than I
With a word’s inadequacies
(Though I really doubt anyone
Can recall green lilac or jade
In the willow). But try. But try.
Any green that you please.
You will see the dazzle I mean.
Choose merely the depth and shade
To leave most room in your head
For the color I had in mind,
Which was the incredible red,
Oh, shining among the trees,
Of the cardinal now in the sun.
The best way, you will find,
Is to start with green instead.
That is how it is done.