Sightless

by Caroline Brown

Fresh flowers in the morning rain—

Sickly moans throughout the night.

Leaves turning toward the light—

Some scenes are better left unseen.

Caterpillar, born in a eucalyptus tree

Blown by a westerly wind into weeds

Munching and crunching, bite by bite

Euphoric visions—bit by a black beak.

Moisture creeps through open doors:

Settles on the wooden window sill;

A black, ominous mold takes shape—

Bleach and sunlight clears the slate.