boy and bike

there are strips of 

black 

rubber 

on the sidewalk outside his home 

this is what he does on red bicycle 

at superspeed 

all the way from the corner 

legs piston pedals 

hands steering with no fear 

until he’s suddenly here 

and the foot kicks back 

locking brakes 

and he skids to a stop 

ready for the next trip 

    the next challenge 

        the next season 

to make his mark

 

April storm

just stand in the wind

flakes arpeggiating cheeks

ruddy from spring sun

 

deep calls to deep

whale song sounds the sea 

searing softened ears 

and we watch from shore 

as they arc jumps in this cove 

with crashing waves on rocks 

it is early sunrise 

on this eastern edge 

and we are deep inside this life 

on the cliff of change 

of melting floes and wilding fires 

of killing droughts and fatal floods

of species sinking into earth 

deeper 

and deeper 

and they sing their dirges 

and we must listen fully 

fathoms down

and sing along

wind

when spring sun severs ribbon 

with winter 

and ties a bow to warmth 

when snow dissolves into thawing earth 

waking waiting roots 

when low pressure invites the rushing in 

of stinging north or melting south 

then leaves tumble across grass 

branches bend and sway 

small birds struggle to find perch 

hearts soar tugging string 

unrolling in practiced hands 

for summer’s coming 

on-rushing

cat nap

my cat 

like a flute cadence 

reposes on navy loveseat 

soft paws extended under resting face 

striped tail encircling hind legs 

eyes pinched closed rhythmic breaths 

with a barely heard purr 

from deep within 

he plumbs the peace of 

the perfect end of a classical phrase