in fluffed up fur
were washed away
when the rains came…
That effulgent orb
glowing and lovely
behind a curtain of mist
blesses the evening
The warmth of frosty moon
Gentle keeper of the night
softened merely by your fullness
Strengthened resolve
a face in the crisp night…
Caterpillar tiptoed
careful not to put
more than one toe at a time
in the sludge
Nose in the air aloof
beefing up her arguments
“I’ll be leafing soon,”
she said to the wind
When, in fact, she knew
she’d best get on with it…
Monkey stopped
sweet potato in hand
along the way
Paused in awe
poised upon a big rock
(A finer vista on the boulder)
to view the sunset with gratitude
And raised the tuber
in silent, respectful
homage and thanks
Once, when the blue tulip bloomed
a little caterpillar awoke to the sunrise
and raised half his many legs in greetings
A salute of honor
A silent acknowledgement
of the nurturing warmth
Gratitude requires no words
It is an exercise of the heart
