Emy Collins, Sweet Magnolia

Emy Collins

Sweet Magnolia

Magnolias smell of dead fish and dry air Stagnant and never-changing

Leaves brown like winter mud No joy lives in its bulbs

Small and demure sitting beneath our feet No beauty resides in its branches

Their trunks stand no chance against wind Sniffing flowers leaves a sour taste on the tongue

Don’t seek shade at its base Magnolias never been sweet

Emy Collins is a sophomore at Bard Microcollege Holyoke graduating with her Associate in Arts in May 2021. She will be attending Smith College as an Ada Comstock Scholar in the fall.