ruby crush
as sapphire
comes to roost
outside my door
morning
finds a place
where lovers wait
beyond the reach
of shadow –
a song
I strain to hear
a wanderer
made home again
leans against
the gate

lilac taints
the walkway –
where honeysuckle
climbs
to meet at once
a star
she meant to claim
some far away
forgotten here
except by butterflies
a lazy bee
who knows them all
by name

. . .