the tortoise creeps under broken flower pots
like an ancient dragon guarding its lair
the cat lies on the cold concrete floor
a terrific hunter in its dream

it's always summer in this city

the girl sits under a tree reading
while the sun pours onto her brown locks
framing her face like a honeyed waterfall
anointing her with a golden halo

the boy looked at her
and wonder if he could ever breathe again in her presence
if he could ever be something more in her eyes