morning zoom
a trace of sleet
in his smile

— Dyana Basist

only in spring
I see a way
out of the wood

— Tim Gardiner

passing clouds
we have become
the elders

— Gary Hittmeyer

Separated at Birth

A plastic Humpty Dumpty sits on a low wall. I lift myself on the one opposite. Humpty Dumpty has a look of my father. But his sea green irises would look out of place on this man-made counterpart, whose orbs match his brilliant coat festooned with gold buttons. Still, they share the same rotund shape, knowing grin and bald head. I wonder if Humpty Dumpty also likes cocoa laced with whiskey for breakfast, dry martinis for lunch, red wine with dinner, a brandy nightcap. I search painted blue eyes and see my answer. Slowly I slide off the wall

garden compost 
birds gather 
what’s left

— Roberta Beary