The Fallen
Vibrant colors
long gone now
the heat came and
killed them off somehow
I tried to save them
I really did
but they couldn’t handle
what the fierce
heat dome did
they’ve been replaced
with something new
but I just want to say…
I miss you
The Green Hopper
Spider mites
have come to roost
among green leaves
and tender shoots
to suck the life
from all the green
and kill off just about
everything
and a hero comes
to save the day
a friend to camp out
for a short stay
to eat his fill
and feast away
It’s so dry and the spider mites have set up camp in my roses and a few other spots on the balcony. I’m spraying for them, but I just can’t seem to keep up with it. I might have to change from a soap spray to an actual insecticide. This grasshopper showed up on my balcony about two weeks ago and is still hanging out, looking healthy and well fed. At least someone’s enjoying the spider mite infestation.
Drying… Dying
Moisture grows
the strangest things
on every surface
and shadowed
nook and crevice
Lichen thrives
among the bark
as mossy tendrils
drape over rocks
branches coated
with all kinds of life
creating foreign words
teeming and wild
Please bring back the rain
The Lonely Duck
Little quacker all alone
picking
among the rocks
where have all
your friends gone
to leave you
by yourself
it’s time to slip
into cool water
and paddle away
and find your friends
to swim with
and while away
the day
Even rubber duckies
need friends
Together
Your whiskers
brush
playful
against skin
sensitized
to touch
Soft in nuzzle
and rough
in their graze
leaving pink streaks
behind
as skin flushes bright
in response
Together
Just a stroll
on a lazy day
with summer heat
and cricket song
a meandering stroll
along a lakeside path
with fingers tangled
as shoes scuff hollow
on wooden planks
and we pause
to look at lily pads
and dragonflies
I want this with you
Twisting the Leaf 