The Seasons: A Quadriptych

Autumn

Peaches, persimmons, pomegranates
Picked from old faithful backyard trees
Except for the apple tree that collapsed, exhausted from drought.

A butterfly's lingering kiss
for a sweet, white sip
From a dying rose.

Maple trees weaving a cloak of gold, green, and amber
Over the sun-roasted earth awaiting the rains
With a touch of lilac.

I was gone for two weeks and came home to a heavy-laden plum tree.
In a few days the fruits will turn blue
And I know the birds are waiting.

Winter

Veins, arteries, and capillaries
Spread out from the limbs
Of Mary’s tree in the winter.
I also see them on my gnarled old hands.

Spring

The color and sounds of May
Came late in my backyard.
Look!
Gentle green grass and strong weeds pushing rocks
Below the shy magenta buds clinging on swaying stalks.
Listen!
Birds chirping from the apple tree
A dog howling behind the fence
Stop!
Take small Spring steps
For gradually, and suddenly it will be Summer.

Summer

A cat, basking on a field of brown grass and
White morning glories splattered
from the sun
Uncorked heat spilled on soft fur.
In solitude purrs
The intoxication of summer
dry and freely poured.