Witch-hazel 

Crinkled petals glow gold on leafless branches

In the soft October light, I greet American Witch-hazel

Also known as 
       Snapping Hazel
       Winterbloom
       Hamamelis virginiana

Names that smile 
       seeds explode from their capsules
that settle peacefully 
       flowers open late in the year
that furrow brows
       fruits (Greek melon) ripen 
       at the same time (Greek hama) 
       that flowers bloom

Other names 
forgotten, silenced
       their stories and wisdom lost