Sparrow

on a shopping cart
a sparrow
serenades

the Conclave

prisoners in court
in their bright, distinctive garb
awaiting judgment



in honor of the awesome responsibilities of the cardinals about to enter the
Conclave with my prayerful hopes that they elect a holy and worthy successor to
Peter in these troubled times.

The will vote in a room that reminds them and all of the gravity of the
election. For their choice they will be held accountable at the Last Judgment.

Party's over

silverfish scurry
as desk drawer opens
party's over

Palm Sunday pilgrim

her small fingers hold
two palm fronds that she waves
Jerusalem-bound

White Azaleas

white azaleas
attract bees that buzz softly
as if mindful

mo(u)rning doves at dawn

a cooing is heard
from a small puff of feathers
another dawn

a riff on Basho

shaded by azaleas
she bends her back
to shred dried cod