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 summerDry and freely poured.
After the Rain in Three Words
Firm trodden earth
Tired bare trees
Bold emerald hills
Soft-blue mountain
Whimpering cold wind
Grass infused air
Heavenly opal sky
ternal warm sunlight
A passerby’s delight
All of these—
After the rains.
The Necklace
There’s a dragonfly chained on my neck
Wings outstretched its tail twisted to one side.
I remember the ambush
Slowly silently creep behind the bush
With your thumb and pointer finger make a pincer and stop.
Be still. Wait
a second or two.
It quivers in the breeze, quick
Seize by its tail.
Caught in your hand
How many dragonflies have I let go
For I merely caught them for the thrill of catching
What glistens in the sun.
