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
