Watering Peonies

Here at the humid edge of evening
under gold-heavy clouds and still air
water runs into the brick ring around
the peony bush. Dandelions
and Queen Anne's lace raise their heads
in gratitude. Water like God's grace
is for all; but underground the roots
entangle in savage unlit robbery.

Sunlight is for all; but in the dense shade
of the camellias nothing grows but violets
and moss. I prune back the branches
heavy with glossy leaves and dead flowers
and let a little water spill from the bucket
careless of dandelion gratitude.

Collection available! Knocking from Inside