The Day Steams Up

The day steams up

already, so early 

in the overcast morning.

The threat of rain

in this heat

brings stinging insects.

I like to meditate outdoors

but not always.

The Stillness is Inhabited

The stillness

before a hot day

is inhabited by doves,

white-breasted,

cooing intermittently

with long, low notes
from my neighbour's thick trees.

Listening to the Birds

Late afternoon. The heat has eased. I sit in my back garden, listening to the birds try out all their different cries.

The Good Rain

fills the darkness outside my door

with its sudden whoosh

and then a long whisper,

a muted roar.

I know it blesses the earth.

I feel safe in my home now —

now that the friendly rain

comes down, comes down, comes down.