Brand-New Day

parakeet sings along
in staccato counterpoint
to the indigenous flute song
deep in the laurel-canyon

Chihuahua races along
the chain-link fence barking
finding every sound and
movement beyond disturbing

arrows launched at
breeze-swaying target
close, but no cigars and fatigued
shoulders need a rest

Midnight slinks over the
outer wall puddling in hidden
corners out of sight, in shade
under the Oleander, safe

aroma of burning sage
cleansing senses
opening mind to possibilities
of a brand-new day

–LE – 1/30/24