The Mathematics of Spring

Let work equal the exertion of force
overcoming resistance. Let three sons
12, 15, and 18 stand for the source
of the resistance and let your reasons
for wanting the yard cleared of last year’s leaves
be equal to their protestations of
wet weather and incalculable needs
for showers or food or sleep or love.

Or, let resistance not be overcome
this time. Let boys play Elder Scroll.
Let force not exerted equal work not done.
Let the inevitable buds unfold.
Let vectors of tulips make their own way
up through the loam of autumn decay.