tiny flowers

tumble over teacup’s rim

pinks and yellows

oh, so fine

constricting band encircles my head

its relentless pressure; the dull ache

spring’s splendor and its pain

rose-breasted grosbeak

handsome, striking fellow

gorging on my safflower seeds

designing a raised bed flower garden

digging every hole in my head

careful placement: the reds, the yellows, the pinks

the seams, at last, give way

a rift in the bludgeoning sky

gentle earth laps up its excess

sharp turn amid May’s delight

near Arctic gales; near frigid cold

turtleneck and hoodie: check

stoplight turns green

gentle foot:  acceleration

growing older, growing wiser