slender spray 

drifting --

why does one 

waver so, 

on this summer day?

above,
brittle starlight --

magnolia petals glitter with dew

swift winds pull rose blossoms
your words spinning into air

pines speak  --
the shape of the wind

magnolia buds
swollen, soft --
tiny dancers poised
for the first movement

thin stirrup of crescent moon
cradles evening star --
sleet pings on my office window

lacework of mist
rolls down through dark pines
my breath rippling morning's first tea