I arrived like the moon on the rind of golden hour
the sweet aroma of honeysuckles coating the air
heavily released through May's warm breath
the sun declined
adding a thick amber layer to the hazy spring eve as it drifted
refusing to answer the infinite call of flowers wafting in the breeze

If I took down the moments around me
in words or with fists
challengers would no doubt arise

you can train the trees he says
as a pair of garden shears take hold
and snip the lengthened limbs that stretch toward the house
guided not in
but up and out
the branches will follow
and I stand eyes fixed up from below
arms raised high above my head to steady the ladder
his feet find balance in
and I wonder
what would have happened if those synapses hadn’t been pruned?
would the evergreens still grow or reach new heights
had they not been subject to their sapling surroundings and watchful eye of the gardener?
what would I become if left up to nature's desire
unaffected by the calculated, planned attendance of the caretaker
would that fate still take root?

I won't ever ask for more
complaining, saltwater bitterness I will endure
Have you met me?
observe such a pretty face
cares not for creatures but reflections
that smile back with the warmth of a star struck harpy
blessed to shine another flashlight on an award winning blaze

darling, you are lovely
call me your bird
and I'll parrot back to you sweet nothings
that reinforce your radiance
with the rapid fire beat of my fluttering heart and wings