hope like arugula sprouts
big enough to be seen
from a second-floor window
*
cat out and leap-chasing
shadows—sparrow, crow,
flick/sway of still-bare branches
*
water wind-rippled in bird baths
sometimes sun-shimmered, reflecting
on redbud bark
*
that april blizzard and how
we could see again
smooth-swirl snow on rooftops,
dollops on red-budded trees
it happens
from time to time, a mystery
small bird in the house
junco wild-flight hurl at glass door
falling stunned; sparrow
parked on pantry, peering
black-eyed over the molding
how it spent a night in the mixing bowl
how I caught it in the curtain, heart beating
flutter in my closed hand
how the dog whined and pointed
how the cat had grown bored long since
the gift already given
shadow is your friend, shifting light
and alleys of retreat
when in doubt:
birdsong
and keep a place reserved, quiet
corner of no one
Hawk on the fence, intent
looking away; cat on cold stone
watching. A small cat, no bigger
than a rabbit, but perhaps more
than a mouthful with tooth
and claw. Serene, she can see
that for all its size, sleekness, sharp
beak and scream, it’s clearly
merely a bird.
Not truly revolving
on the whim of a cat—
only the human is automatic
*
Hummingbirds dart through
a whirl or two
by the feeder. Faster
than any soon-to-close
opening
*
What greater joy
than looking ahead
wondering through
the other side?
A communion
with the wisdom of cats
*
Taking these things in turn,
I plan a larger garden.
String staked out, rectangular
like door-panes laid flat.
The days unspool
birch leaves teasing the sun
seeds tenderly tucked
among the daffodils, fenced
new playground for cats
NaPoWriMo Day 17, a haiku prompted by Poetic Asides.
Green gleams beneath brown
Clouds flee before sun released
from winter’s prison
*
Kitten pounces—air
Invisible insects ride
last year’s scattered leaves
1.
We are silly in love
like new parents, praising
lap-leap, chair-leap
keyboard walk of tiny paws
fishhook claws that pounce
unguarded ankles
2.
What immortal hand or eye
framed infant tiger’s
curving spine to fit, perfect
in my one hand? Bright
companion of this dark hour
your heart-full purr fills forests
Lightly, for Day 4 of the PAD Chapbook Challenge; prompt “Once Upon a (Blank).”
Graceful Press Poetry 