Swimming in Summer

Swimming in a sea of greenery
submerged in luxuriant summer

in every tint and shade
of Verdant's possible palette

thick, leafy drapery
lush, lawn grasses
soft-needled branches
swishy cornstalks
groves of lacy fern fronds
forest stands, mossy patches
shrubby hedges
fields of not-yet hay

drifting, drifting among stems and leaves
immersed everywhere all in green

winter's frozen, bleached-out vistas
long forgotten in this fecund moment.

Art Trademarks

When I gaze upon a pond
I see with Monet's eyes
its spread of pink, white, yellow, green

and talismanic landmark
in New Mexican desert
ever O'Keeffe's high altar

and mobbed portraits
peopled by Brueghel
now in any crowded space

Monet's water lilies
O'Keeffe's pedernal
Brueghel's teeming masses

requisitioned for Art
once in their thrall
always biased sightings.

Early Morning Communion

Early morning chirper
serenading the dawn

first-light glimmers
outside her window bounds

listener for friendly sounds
creaking floor, opening door

eager for arrival
of anticipated faces

a sacramental moment
celebrating her existence.