ORANGE TIGER LILIES

Alongside rotting railroad ties

stacked to enclose this garden

with mostly unruly weeds

these orange Tiger Lilies

come every year

continue to open

their petals shine

dark pollen bursts

from center

abundant and daring

they say to the world

Yes! Yes!

I am alive!

Unashamed of any longing

or desire

they ask for what they need

and graciously receive

sunlight funnels deep into their hearts

roots reach deep into the dirt

and oh so dirty

they call for water

rising up through

succulent green stems

I tell you

they glow

as I walk by today

unhurried

aware

happiness heaves into my body

a great love for life rises

my breath a song of praise

I can only smile

as I cut a russet potato

cooked in olive oil with a dash

of salt and pepper, smile

as I crack eggs and adore

their yellow yokes, smile

as I eat this food in solitude

look out at the lake

filled with moon light

city lights and ships

with shining lights

sweat damp on my body

warm wind wisps through

open window

dances with sheer curtains

this breeze presses against me

cool on my skin

makes me tremble