spring cleaning —

little debris pyramids

in the corners

homesick across years

for my mother’s flowers —

portulaca

reconnaissance —

we talk about the ants

while they compare notes

the shrug

of the vultures

just before they fly

I call my old friend

to compare our memories —

dim light at the window

spring in the new house

feeling welcomed by flowers

as they surprise us

walking in the sun

our two boys pause to read

the dates on headstones