Discovered Signs

An old political sign
like a seedling pushing up
out of newly-tilled earth,
rose anew, crabgrass really
up out of the dirty melting snowpile
in the interchange median
A marker of a dashed dream,
rusted frame still holding its ground
waiting for another reaper
after the melt is complete
A mournful sign of hope
for one who did not win
after the snows of New Hampshire
and there his sign stands still

March 7, 2008
John Edwards sign on the side
of the road, Route 292, Exit 6,
Manchester, NH