Time – Page 57 – Iron Haiku

gathering pollen-
down among the lavender
the honeybees work
–
august sun-
on the pond
the lotus blooms

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

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

to ease your burden
I’ll stand by your side a while
and shoulder your load
–
distant clouds-
fences in need
of mending

an outdoor cafe
she watches the passersby
sipping her water
–
bare foot sun-
luminous in
a sheer skirt