More Under Maples Than Colored Leaves

By JOSEPH ‘PEPE BATBON’ CONNOLLY
Special to the Saipan Tribune

maple syrup I always seem to want
the best comes from Quebec and Vermont
in winter underneath leafless maple trees
rhizomes are doing just as they please
deep down in the frozen rhizosphere
they bring up maple sap year after year
and come February to every sugar house
the sap comes flowing quiet as a mouse
from a spigot drilled into each maple tree
bringing maple syrup to you and me
it takes many gallons for just a pint to make
to pour over your French toast or pancake
its scientific name is acer saccharinum
go out in the sugar bush to find them