stunned morning

storm-driven birds
gray smoke blown against leafless trees
Scarlatti's liquid harpsichord gems trickling down
pristine waterfall

stunned morning
jet contrails brushed white on cold blue sky
cosmic overtures
the silver birds

bare-limbed trees, upper branches
black on white chimney
distracted, you glance away
when you return the shadow remains

mornings you help bring up the sun
seeking perfection -- sunrise across the street
it plays on squat dormers, lattice work,
stolid brick, yellow, aged

aged by this morning somehow enhanced
you strive to conquer the music
or to merely comprehend it

trash day -- recycling trucks grind by
in stiff breeze red green white pizza box
skates across the street

smoke wisps in shadow etched
whitewashed brick wall of nursing home
bright morning sunshine
like old outdoor movie screen

--Ross Bender