Summer ease, think breeze.

I’ll simply notice, but not name it.

Quick as a splinter, I slip a ball

of tangerine-light between my ribs,

inhale pale yellow from the edges

of sunset to fill constricted spaces

below an unseen floorboard,

an opportunity to pause and regret,

reflect on smooth flowing water

that spins out of control,

chaos that kisses with purpose.

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

Previously published in More than a Gathering: Reflections from the Poets @ Artfest 2023 poetry festival, ed. Bruce Kauffman (Wet Ink Books, 2024)