Flowers in the backyard struggle
to hold up their heads
like they have barely survived

The sky has no color
behind our house
the woods are dark and dense

Leaves on the towering trees
wave in a slow rhythm
like the sway of the bolero

I notice the distant whine of sirens
Light rain splashes
water in the bird bath

one yellow leaf floats
Nature is holding her breath
after a gusty night

I slip into my raincoat
uncertainty lurks at the door
as I set out to assess the damage.

 

Lois Perch Villemaire of Annapolis, MD is the author of My Eight Greats and Eyes at the Edge of the Woods. Her poetry, prose and artwork have appeared in numerous journals. She is a contributing writer to AARP The Ethel. Lois, a Pushcart nominee researches family history, and propagates African violets.