Seven Seconds

A leaf separates from a twig on a tree

tumbling for seven seconds

on a journey to the ground.

For seven seconds a pedestrian

crosses a busy intersection

before a swarm of traffic invades.

A mother sparrow satisfies hunger

as she drops insects for seconds

into the gaping beaks of her young.

A concert master stands, baton poised,

head raised for large seconds

before sweet sound spreads.

A pause stretches for seven seconds

before a first kiss

felt as far as the soles of eager feet.

With the fragrance of eucalyptus

passing through my window

seconds stroll lightly by

as a leaf quietly comes to rest.

First published in Tiny Seed Literary Journal November 1, 2019