Lavender, Rosemary, Mint

Geraniums creeping up the walls

Every window in every room flung wide

The back door, it’s imposing metal screen

Open, cool to the touch

In summers past

The bugs crept under the lattice

We kept a towel stuffed there, just in case

To sit on the doorstep

To walk in the dirt

To lie on concrete in the courtyard

In the early morning, the creak of the hose valve

Lavender, rosemary, mint, cold water

Rushing down the steps, into the street

I was sad then, in that weary way

Knowing already some shape of loss

And I am sad now, still it weighs on me

I nap only when I am safe

Lying on your couch like the old days

Back when I was free, and so tired

Wild geraniums

Lavender, rosemary, mint