Out of My Skin

Monarch
for Bobby ADC#216233

Peering from the shelter
of a dark, hidden cave
morning rays blaze magenta,
melting to orange with increasing light;
wind whips clouds into butterflies
searching sparse spring flowers
awakened by the desert rain;
luminous cloaks of orange
striped with bars of black—
sun beams broken with shadows of the past.

Feeling heat on pressing breeze,
beat liquid air as arms,
pumping legs, and pounding feet
echo rhythmically in the heart
on track of rock and dirt,
countless hours circling the yard,
luxurious escape from wire cage,
breath of fresh scents stretch the lungs;
one small taste of secret joy
freely jogging in oblivion.

Royal cape of monarch wings
edged with jewels of many colors,
lifts a mind in meditation,
dissolves chain link and razor wire;
flutters to desert fields beyond
where the celebration of finches’ song
and a pair of red-tailed hawks
circle on thermal waves with thoughts;
erase the mocking uniform of orange,
while affirming life’s eternal rhythm.

 

March 10, 2009
© 2009 Richard V. Sidy

 

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