Lavender linaria spikes upward,
miniature clouds stalk-perched
as they reach for the sky.
Hummingbirds crowd-feed
in the waning afternoon sun.
Carnations, red as a fresh-cut
thumb, wave divine perfume from
ruffled taffeta on gray-green stems.
Sweet peas' pungent surprise,
a salmon/marshmallow palette, celestial
bouquet a fragrance of that
far away gate in the Heavenlies.
Juncos chip-clacking in rhythm,
sure-footed clutching on feeders afloat,
trapezing in the breeze.
Leaves, light-transfigured day
lanterns lingering against
a cornflower sky.
Voices ferried on the wind,
gleeful hollers loud as a
clap of thunder, neighborhood
jazz accompaniment
to this quieting afternoon.
///Let the record show, no pockets
or wallets were emptied in
exchange for these riches, no
bank account tapped, no debt
incurred to pay for this view.
The ledger will detail only this:
"Full stop, eyes open,
breathing slowed."
No currency recorded, just a
bookkeeper's note in a lazy
hand,
"Two slowing feet, arrested gaze
earful of sound."
///
The books are balanced and so
is my soul.
