When The Moon

when the half moon’s light

through my window woke me

I stepped outside

the night chill offered

a swift shift from slumber

I did not mind

all the world in quiet but for birds

and stealth nocturnals

am I one of those

thoughts stagger into odd realms

when dreams are paused

views we sleep through shine

without audience

backyard cherry tree becomes

a blossom cathedral

for the stone head garden face

who sings his predawn praises

under the stars🪶

The Visitor

I see you tipped forward in the columbine

another bird funeral candidate

a mystery death in this messy peace garden

I hesitate to remove you from your last perch

carry out the necessary task—

(melancholy comes too easily these days)

and you flutter, relocate to the cherry tree

its buds just emerging new

sunlight shining through from the east

We pause

Maybe you only wanted me to see you

contemplate your quiet grace🪶