Dreary grey morning
cool and brisk
Squirrel runs by fast
“Where are those nuts?”
Time to hunker down
Time to consider layers
Time to bring out the teapot
And, when the sun does come out
there are still glorious colors
awaiting our perusal
Urban hunting season
has come early this year
• • •
It’s time to start stalking
wild and renegade feijoa –
the uncivilized pineapple guava
As cunning as any wild varmint
they hide amongst the bushes
Like plump green Easter eggs
waiting to be plucked and scooped
• • •
Even amidst the hustly bustly
the feral and intrepid thrive…
Little squirrel sat there
(squatted actually)
Staring at me
as I stared at her
Caught in a moment
for more than several
Neither wishing
to break the connection
or be the one who lost
the staring contest
Finally, I had mercy
looked away, broke the spell
Squirrel flicked tail and ran off
down the fence
She knew she had arrived
for as she entered the meadow
her insides lit up
Dragonflies and butterflies
birds, porcupines, and deer
all greeted her
As they arrived in ones and twos
and some in family groups
in a lilting silence
filled with happy sound
alive with happy possibilities
A circle of life gathered
collecting the hearts
into a chorus of celebration
awakening intentional joy
One spent tomato plucked late from the vine
still retains a semblance of a happier time
When Sun and water, soil and and breeze combined
to contribute to a flavor, oh so sublime
• • • … • • •
The juice it runs down the chin
a renegade seed upon the cheek
The heady tomato smell fills the nose
Oh, gosh, a fresh tomato tastes fine
• • • … • • •
Summer is headed toward waning
some leaves are thinking of browning
Still, tomatoes are harvested everywhere
going out now to the garden to get mine
