small stone #57

(for Chris Flisher)

Late dusk, a springtime
conjunction of red —

Mars and a male cardinal
high in the same pine
behind the same house.

small stone #56

Night’s ice has split
the tin bucket

but from the holly bush
comes berry and birdsong.

small stone #55

Past midnight

a doe browses the lilies,
the poison ivy

while moonlight lingers
on the tallest pine.

Three bodies
moving in the dark.

small stone #54

Near no house
a kitchen knife gleams
in the crossroads gravel

small stone #53

Overcast morning

dawn is a faded cardinal
over the worn stone wall

small stone #52

Four days with no mail

enough time for a new vine
to wrap around the mailbox latch.

small stone #51

High noon –

two hawks and a wasp
circle the sun

small stone #50

Fourth of July
fireflies

too slow, too easily caught
by little hands

small stone #49

Distant dogs hear the thunder
just before I do,
their barks like lightning.

small stone #48

Over the incense of our
tandoori and cabernet

the Boston man at the next table
says grace, beneath
the image of Vishnu.