Cypress sunrise

Islam’s moon rocking in the
blanching sky above the swamp -
the mallard's intermittent scurry.

Behind the cypress trees,
the sun is cached and tints
the horizon a tacit rose gold;
dissolving into a washed-out hue.

A subdued choir of cicadas
sing in alternating stanzas
and the sparrow answers.

The reality of mosquitos
prances in erratic ambits,
as small fish nudge
the water’s surface.

The diminishing return
after the crescendo
of sunrise draws
thoughts of coffee
and breakfast.


© 2000 Melissa Songer

Bonsai heart

Forced to live in shallow soil,
fed just enough to maintain;
pruned and shaped and wired
into a twisted habit, yet
the bonsai heart flourishes.

The gardener waits with blade in hand,
and a face that shows nothing
but intent to shield the delicate bud
from any who would defame it.

In the garden shines a light
where sun bleeds through shade
and laves the insular kernel.

It dreams of the day when
roots stretch beyond constraints

and burrow in the sweetened earth.


© 2004 Melissa Songer