july

stirs the morning sun
birdsong shakes the smoke tree
dripping light

your breath
on this hot summer day
a cool mist

leaf drop
dry riverbed -hard water
stain 

your splintered skin
my rusty gray heart -hanging out
sipping tea

wavering on waves
morning sun rides the silk breeze
the traveler pauses

woodblock engraving
etched stones -a child’s painting
hand written notes

morning sun
breaking through
morning clouds

footsteps echo
I jump from my sleep
now —a butterfly!

bindweed blanket spread
bowl filled with ancient lettuce
a prickly picnic