through the window

we opened to cooler air —

a cricket’s chirp

wind stirring

the leaves overhead —

mixing paint

right onto my hand

and just as quickly off --

a tiny frog

here where the river

curves away out of sight —

I save a space for you

crisp fallen leaves

crackling underfoot —

I pull you closer

morning mist

just deep enough

to cover the fox

moonrise

and a lonely sunflower

unsure of where to turn

crickets

in the cracks by the door

singing us in and out

tucked in deep

past the long grass and brambles —

wild purple asters

careening back and forth

between our reading lamps —

the moth that slipped in

salty tang of sweat

as we pull the covers up —

cooler nights at last

late night piano —

our big boy sings along

on the low notes

fighting 

over the last blossoms —

hummingbirds

as I turn in 

the old lilac looks tired —

coming back from mom’s 

catbird scolding —

I’ve taken the pokeberries

she thought of as hers

music under the stars —

strangers pulled together

note by note

the sky full of clouds

and the moon we know is there —

believe in something

too many to count

in the garden’s dark corner —

gathered fireflies

using evening rain

to scrub behind her ears —

front yard bunny

a cloudless sky
and the sound of rumbling —

fear’s long shadow

early autumn —

the moon comes back

for another look

late summer moonlight —

I can see all the way back

to our first kiss

so much happier
after last night’s watering —

rudbeckia in sun

lighter now

after a summer’s worth of sun —

our favorite fox

first fall practice —

geese in a low “v”

inches above the lake

my father’s advice —

I watch the waves and the leaves

and the wind shows herself

falling acorns —

the front yard bunny and I 

jump at the same time

birthday dinner —

still seeing his baby face

now with grownup eyes

Labor Day potluck —

someone asks about dessert

and I look at you

morning sun 

caught dancing for a moment

in an empty vase