frog

Deep In The Daylilies

one shiny black eye
unmasked
his stone disguise

ordinary leaf
bland rock
that hops

when the ground is where the sky belongs
and you find yourself on the inside looking out
balance, daring and sticky toes will set the world right

snow may come again
still the garden will emerge
soak up the sun when you can

silence
is broken
by a watery landing

the one hundred year old
stone frog
worships at this alter

I’ll do
what I want
is his only thought

like a shadow
of old oxblood
clapboard

in the birdbath
bathing
in sunshine

sleepy heads
dewy eyed bulbs
rise from the garden bed

emerald green
seldom seen
frog king

catches flies
to pass the time,
dreaming of his princess’s kiss.

The birdbath
calls out
for rain

Not even your magnificent camouflage
can obscure your vibrant alive-ness.