In “Juniper Ring,” the speaker studies a circle of juniper growing on bare granite and feels she is seeing an ancient kind of magic. Its deep green ring seems “perfectly planned,” and living near it makes the idea of sacred circles feel real to her. She remembers a crocus blooming in snow the previous April as a smaller, briefer sign of the same eternal promise. Now she looks at the juniper and knows it will last much longer, but not forever. Earth, with its own timeworn rings, will eventually disturb and fade it. The mood is hushed and reverent, touched by wonder at nature’s patterns and by a gentle awareness that even the most rooted, magical things must change.
Juniper Ring — Summary
Juniper ring on the granite rock, Deep and green and perfectly planned; Living with you I understand Circle-magic of old.
You had a sister in mystery-- Was it only an April ago That a crocus cup on a bed of snow Promised eternal things?
It will be longer, Juniper, Till earth declares you ready to break, And you fade of the havoc her brown hands make That are covered with mystic rings.