Heat Wave

staying cool, she visits the garden before sunrise
the black eyed  sues appear so orange next to the polished bright white rocks
and the dark cordovan soil, damp from yesterday's rain

looking to the northwest, she sees whole worlds waking up

looking directly north she notices
the east side of the red brick building
across  the lane become illuminated--
no shame!

looking within
she hears her breath and heart beat--
strong and steady

her heart beats out a rhythm
akin to hiking in the high sierras--
pine air thin, sky sharply blue

or maybe a little samba beat:
to lure the coolness of an ocean wave,
or a chilled mojito

 deep breathing is the new breathless
out of control becomes no control
watching the river, the sun, the clouds

nestle and divide,  come together
in every kind of weather
spirit is roused, light as a feather

kjl '19