In the Mansion of Stars
Twilight hummingbirds
probe lavender blossoms,
draw sustenance from salvia,
explore scarlet tubular blooms
of rogue Christmas cactus.
Overhead, cosmic illumination
pricks evening’s sapphire mantle.
Smoky rivulets of white fog
undulate between houses.
Lunar orb ascends, framed
by silvery branches.
I sprawl on brick steps,
sip herbal tea, sniff garden perfume,
give thanks for small blessings:
cooling relief, summer lilies,
nightfall’s dignified calmness.
July 2022
.