1
This tall tree
dams the river where it fell
across
gravity
pushes pulls a new
path around
water’s weight and
flow
prevail
2
tiny
rufous hummingbird
repeatedly throws itself, thumps
against nest’s nearby windows
fearing self’s reflection
as other
repeats
protective instinctive reaction
towards self-destruction
or
must
move away and turn, turn
turn a new direction
3
finally May first
the earth inhales the sun
relaxes
– no longer
stiff contracted and protected from
the cold and dark –
branches release their reserves
exhaling
leaves and flowers
4
cleaning my house
i let go
the weight of
too many
precious possessions
to protect
possibilities abound
in
clean and empty space
5
May sun
high noon
breaks bright through grey clouds
reflections
refracted off water drops
hanging
saturated segmented serrated
needles and leaves
wet
concrete ground
each layered surface shining
enlightened
before the rain
returns
washing the world
dull without dimension
Elisabeth Bee 