Coastal

Clustered border of a town
between my ears and the sea.
But mainly the presence is of birds
aroused to a mild frenzy
like finally recessed schoolchildren.

Contemplate the empty lot
of unmowed green --
dutiful, it fits
the easy order of imperfection.

See? Even there
amid suburban sprawl:
wild yellow flowers.

Notice the sun
spread firmly
his gentle gold

through comfortable morning
overcast.

— 1988, from Poems