outlasting all
of our writings
this fossilized
oyster shell
preserved for posterity

rows of coffee cups
grouped together
like companions
in the grip of each handle
a different opinion

the noncommittal posture
of tree branches
over a park bench
there's no way to tell
if they're lovers or just friends

accompanied
by solitude
it's hard to be depressed
around so many
yellow chrysanthemums

how many dangerous journeys
have started out this way
the monarch butterfly
weaving like a drunk
in and out of the weeds

perhaps they hold the secret
to a successful marriage
the duck couple
ignoring each other
on a sunday afternoon

dwarfed by the faded hues
of a vess soda bottle
I drink in
"a billion bubbles" of dust
from the vacant lot

using the remote control
to turn off an episode of CSI
I'm not sure I want to know 
why someone's put a piece of tape
over the mute button

at peace with themselves
after the rain
the resurrection lilies
lining the path
to the hospice

travel brochures
for the caribbean
a splash in the shower
is as close as I'll get
to taking a cruise this year