to be or not to be

these roses decided for themselves ~

this one is

this one isn't

they're right next to each other

i think the one that's blooming gets a bit more sun ~ maybe the other one just needs a little p-rose-ac.

how to make a tomato basil sandwich

~ Grow tomatoes. Slice them. They are beautiful inside.

~ Toast some whole wheat bread and spread it with mayo and feta cheese.

~ Grow basil. Pinch off some leaves and arrange them on top of the mayo and feta.

~ Place the beautiful, giant slices of tomato on top of everything, put the sandwich together, and slice it in half.

~ Wow.

~ P.S. If you've grown cucumbers, you may add thin slices of those as well.

~ Did I mention Wow?

close there is

roosterman stares through glass
sheds feathers from a haughty fan

hens and chicks step to shallow pan
sip water and peck for last night's corn

(wild birds steal oats and flax
hide in trees with treasure grains)

grass grows tall

foolish are we in sandals and shorts
riding bikes through bumpy fields
dodging turtles
ducking pines
squeaking brakes for sharpest turns

but

close there is a river
close there is
cold rushing smooth skipping stone in water
green vining fingers sliding long through limbs
dirt clinging sweat breathing salt licking birds singing
all along the fork

yes

close there is a river