Summer

catenary wires-
sparks fly overhead as trains
roll along below
–
rolling fog-
the warning whistle
of an approaching train

a secluded beach
the plundered pirate’s chest lay
empty save the sand
–
flood tide-
sandpipers
brave the surf

a beer in my hand
cut grass drying on the lawn
as the clouds pass by
–
muted laughter-
steaks sear
over glowing coals

glints of green and gold
hummingbirds in the neighbor’s
honeysuckle vine
–
lilacs-
delicious
in the wind

afternoon hours spent
talking laundry off the line
ahead of the rain
–
the laundromat-
hard plastic chairs
and ennui

the stones in my path
used to build a foundation
keeping me grounded
–
peace-
rain runs off
the temple roof

my soul recoils from
the cold skeletal touch of
the angel of death
–
twilight-
fireflies lead me
across the river

almost a year clean
yet I still have a hard time
passing by the spoons
–
closing time –
club soda
my paltry reward

meager candle light
cast upon these cottage walls
mingles with shadows
–
gold leaf-
dappled through
the tree tops

immaturity-
unsure of how to deal with
my first streaks of gray
–
afternoon light-
test swatches
on the wall