Peaceful Summer

A mesquite tree,

all dark bark and

tiny leaves and

twisting branches--

watch out for thorns.

Seed pods

hang like ornaments.

Fourteen pounds of blanket.

When it's warm sleep is hard.

Dad's snores

across the hall

in time to the

half-busted fan.

The inky indigo spaces

between stars.

(atoms that will be

planets and moons

and life

are forged in the hearts of stars.

What a lovely design)

Rain on the roof--

the ferocity, strength

of a summer storm

slows down

as we edge past midnight.