making the mistake
of believing someone else's
version of your truth

blankets kicked down
only to be pulled back up —
another last frost

dogwood blossoms
turning so they can catch
the catbird singing

all-morning chainsaw —
we go walking to figure out
which tree they took

a bud that broke off
floating in a mason jar —
opening slowly

backyard bunny —
so surprised to see me
she forgets to chew

first sunny day —
we remember suntan lotion
three hours too late

moving dirt aside
for a good look at the roots —
stump removal

push down hard
push with those big leg muscles
let's see you standing

change of plans —
the beaver turns back 
when she sees our boat

parking lot puddles
glinting with oily rainbows —
beautiful poison

against the backdrop
of a freshly scrubbed sky —
tiny ironwood buds

each tulip begs
for the chance to overflow —
soft steady rain

a fox slips away
with the moonlight 
she said she'd borrow

tiny whirlwinds
blossoms spinning faster
as the wind picks up

Jahrzeit —
another question we
never got to ask

backyard bunny
looking to connect
her zigs to his zags

rivulets trickling

over and around old leaves —

everything makes way

the sound of baseballs
thwacking into padded mitts —
no one wants to stop

in my dream
someone gave me a sapling
in need of planting

for a few minutes
someone somehow hushed the wind 
sunshine felt like peace

when he was younger
a hike with our son meant
stick and rock treasures

after the breakup —
her smile in retrospect
just out of focus

even in the mud 
the bald patch under the swing —
grass getting ideas

a hard soaking rain —

no matter where I go

her sorrow welling up

 

taunting refrain
of a white throated sparrow —
spring but not yet

my friend asks if I
can spare her some bamboo
about pinky width

watching the sky
for a pocket of blue
a spot to tuck you

waiting for some warmth
as they blink in the sunshine —
fox kits by their den

tiny blue flowers
a landscaper said were weeds —
we mow around them