Folded Parasol of the Alabaster Body

This twenty digit nymph with far off eyes
rested in the dirt with Spring in all its holy 
almost Easter nakedness as the sun skirted

wearing only blushes of blue and pink
as we walked past her on Canyon Road last evening 
crossing and then crossing back across the road 

Feather Arms, Red Breast

And the heart's beating 
Mimes infinitesimal pulse
Agile fingers fold feathery 
Down of seasonal birds
Spring with its arms 
Holding 
Collections of paper 
Gathered again 
Provoking a smile
                  no matter 
How temporary

Pink Umbrella: Almost There: Almost Here

here and there

here too

there

are 

small 

piles

papers

remainders 

after a drawer is put

in order

the slight confusion

after coming upon

this row of

hearts

Pink Umbrella: Catching Up; Unseasonable

unseasonably warm

the winter flowers bloom

in confused profusion

I on the other hand

or turning a new page

or dusting myself off I  

love the warm days 

the cool nights under the wool blanket

the hummingbird drunk on red

bags full of clothes to give away

old letters from old lovers

bundles of clothes to give away

winter squash and the first asparagus

clear skies with no trace of fog

the sight of you in the chair next to mine

Just in Case #8

No sign of rain or snow today but this gentleman

removes his grey hat and places it with his 

wooden handled umbrella on the plaza cafe table, 

wooing the waitress to bring him extra cream. 

His red t-shirt advertises his ageless heart.

He steps outside for a smoke, waiting on huevos

rancheros and a side of Christmas chile in March.

Rose Margins #7

Cafe red and yellow, waiting, I 
anticipate your overdue arrival 
and a strong chai just ordered. 
Chocolate and steam milk artistry, 
barista painting the top of 
the sleepy smoke stack,
palm full of timeless petals. 
I wait on the umbrella of you 
as weather is confusing and 
the walls are bare of any other 
thoughts, save for one cherry on top.

Pink Umbrella: Perhaps Six: Ranunculus

row upon row of paper

petals as fine as an eyelash

you cannot separate them

a rose can lose

more than one satin curve

but ranunculus'

watercolor crystal shatters

then all fall

down