Transitions
Sweetness bursts
upon the air
as blooms
open wide
announcing
spring’s arrival
in vibrant colors
and floral scents
that mix with
the crisp bite
of fresh air
still cooled
by winter’s
last breath
The Armadillo
A moment
of surprise
as head turns
and hard shell
doesn’t at first
register
and then does
and the startle
becomes
laughter
as I realize
someone has a
sense of humor
Precious
More rain falls
with clouds
hanging heavy
sodden
and dripping
as people
gripe and groan
and I celebrate
every drop
as precious
because we are
just a bit closer
to no drought
when summer comes
Don’t Touch
This is not
an invitation
to sink fingers
into silky fur
and feel how soft
the belly is
but rather
a display of trust
that says
I can show you
my most
vulnerable parts
without worrying
that you’ll
invade my space
or break my trust
in you
WTF
Sharp edges
and mud
but hopefully
no blood
as blades glint
in among
the leaves
to draw the eye
and give
a moment pause
as brain struggles
to piece together
what’s been seen
hiding among
winter’s decay
Hug Me
The ache inside
is a knot
that lives
deep within
at solar plexus
radiating
fissures of red
outward
along nerve endings
to set alight
stinging tingles
in the soft flesh
of inner forearms
and palms
Twisting the Leaf 