i see so little,

in the time I’ve been given,

if i think too much

the chinquapin waves

shadows about the back yard:

such a bright spring day

actuary charts

predict my death in ten years;

a rose bloomed today

i wish i knew more

about the vicissitudes

of time and of love.

tonight, a new moon rises;

the tower clock chimes the hour

(April 17, 2024)