running

chasing a daisy
her skirt stuck on a cornstalk
she smiles at the sky

secret spot

Better things

Come slow

Sit in an orchid field

Watching wind and petals blow

Let time be a worry

You don’t know

Cuddle with your picnic blanket

And nibble

One by one

a big bunch of grapes, seedless and green

Sip some cold hibiscus and lemon tea

Keep a place in your life

Where you are free

eavesdropping

she turns to listen
her ear tilted towards the door

whispers travel across the air
and she stretches her ears as if
it is possible to open them more
and hear at a higher volume

the voices are blurred
and her mind is tired from
imagining

she promises herself this will
be the last time

summer afternoon

sunshine sets on the porch
a sun ray warms your arm
just enough

the arm of your chair
is softened by its years
of wear

you will be out late tonight
sitting
waiting for nothing

counting each second, capturing
the squirrel's shadow as it
hurries by to the next branch

you will be out late tonight

dancing

momentarily
everything silent except
the rhythm of feet

summer

breathe, flutter about
the streets, skip along as if
suspended in air

and she is

complete today

not because of a knight
or a ride on a unicorn through
the midnight stars

because she lives
where
children smile
big and small hands to hold
a comfortable world
in which to grow old

the tea kettle is full
with lemon tea
muffin mix awaits
the empty birthday-themed
liners that Johnny's little hands will carefully arrange

there are crumbs on the counter
scratches on the floor
mismatched socks in a bag
a mis-aligned drawer

it is a messy life
and she is home