Conifer — Needle Cluster Study (Specimen No. 002) celestial not tame — something older

not tame — something older than either

these seeds hold a promise — not loud or boastful

It cradled teacups

Some people may be sensitive to metals

tucked among forgotten love letters and petals pressed between the pages of well-worn books

Conifer — Needle Cluster Study (Specimen No. 002) celestial not tame — something olderCollected during the colder stretch of the year. Growth appears unaffected by surrounding dormancy; needles remain firm, evenly spaced along the stem. Drying produces minimal distortion. Slight contraction observed, primarily along the needle edges. Structure holds. No collapse. Copper adheres first to the outermost points, then gathers along the stem. The existing arrangement dictates the final form. No correction required. Variation between