Would that we could preserve
them: clouds dispersed
in the indigo sky,
geese in v-formation,
river sibilant
amid riparian willows.

That these blessings trail
furtive hummingbird flutters
lessens resentments once prolific
as thistle.

Years ago we transformed
hardscrabble land
into arable sanctum.
Now field mice adore it
no less than pheasants.
Deer grace us
with wintry presence
in exchange
for cresses and kale.

The hawk that guards
our fruit trees
will one day take flight.
But robins too are a species
of lovely. Nourished on nectarines
and cherries, they chant
spirited daily devotions.