just down the street
along the side of a quiet house
two fox pups sat watching me
they trip trapped through the weeds
and came to rest in the morning cool of the tree shadow

would they venture too far and find themselves in the road?
would they explore the roots and rocks and not see the open aqueduct that runs in front of the house?

see how the birds learn to fly?
watch the butterflies emerge
dry their wings and lift into the world of air

even the weeds stretch
and stand after the long hard press of winter

you can measure each day
by a step or a breath

by a detail nature has put before you
or you can sit there

in the dark
and simply sip from your sorrow

however you please