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.