The vacant lots on my walk today
have all been mowed,
wildflowers razed to the ground.
Brown turf stretches as far as the eye can see
I marvel at the symmetrical stone wall
made up of hundreds of asymmetrical stones
How can the temperature reach 90 degrees
and yet produce a cool breeze?
The various houses along the street
each have their own personalities
this one speaks of perfection
that one of chaos
this one of spontaneity
The grasshoppers whir and appear
without warning one hits my leg
Startled, I pull away
and spy a thin black snake.
Is it alive or dead?
I shudder, pass quickly by.
feet hot against the pavement.
face averted.
A neat row of mailboxes appears ahead
their beige color contrasting
with the vivid green of the grass
The key dangling from my wrist
reveals an ad for a course
in Suicide Prevention
reminding me self-care begins here
on a simple walk
beneath the beautiful blazing sun