Sunday Shy

Perch sun-bleached white oak

alone on yellowing hill.

Sway empty rope swing.

Murmur and quiver leaves.

Sit for supper sun.

Sigh wheeled wooden duck.

Whimper to be upright.

Pray to be pulled home

or remembered by Polaroid

before your paint faded and flaked.

Time is irrevocable.

When one vanishes,

the other follows.

Beget tomorrow.

published by Front Porch Review July 2021