It's That Time of Year - July 3, 2024

pairs of orange dragonflies

double-helix with their dates

across the backyard

male goldfish squirt in pursuit

of egg-popping ladies and

the pond turns a low-fat milk

mourning doves build the

sloppiest nests for eggs prone

to rolling off flat stick islands

spring means love in one world

in the wider one the change

of seasons is hardly noticed

no closer to caring than vultures

circling an African savanna

no nearer peace than gloved fingers

on guns  sweating on triggers

no shadows of arms or faces

at midnight on hot tent walls

all hug the ground

tremble and listen