He really should
have come home
with me
and yet
I left him behind
and regret it
every moment
since the second
I walked away
…
maybe I should call
and see
if he’s still there.
In a sunny spot
on a rocky hillside
a few
stubborn spots
of summer color
live on
as delicate flowers
bathe
in the last rays
of the sun’s heat
petals
spread wide
in a celebration
of life
Autumn slips in
quietly
with a dip
in temperature
and a few
turned leaves
before a riot
of color
bursts forth
to celebrate
the end
of summer’s
oppressive heat
Let’s stay
just a little longer
to watch
as the sun
creeps
a little lower
and the rays
of light
dance
among the clouds
in a soft
golden warmth
felt deep
in the soul
Trapped
in iron
he watches
the tourists
pass by in
ones and twos
as bent nose
itches
and fountain water
that falls past
his lips
is flavored
by raindrops