A view out my back window on april 29 2024

4/29/2024

for olivia

The golden kings of early spring
stand bejeweled in early morning,
turning dewy, emerald-cloaked
faces to an unwavering azure.

A surprise of a yellow bouncing ball
trundles down the hill, her owner
heedless, crying over some perceived slight
(her mother insisting on a jacket, perhaps).

And --- there! a splash of black-and-red
swoops down to investigate,
his mate urging caution from bent stalks
of overwintered goldenrod

(his neighbor in blue watches
from an obsequious young walnut,
biting his tongue).

A flicker streaks by, flashing
her mossy yellow underthings,
scandalous and fleeting.

And here the clacking geese have returned,
shuffling bills busy at the watercress.

I wish to return to a time when
a simple scene could bring such joy.