UNFOLDING

Photo by S. Auberle

SEVEN ISLANDS IN THE RAIN

After Reuben built this house

on its small, rocky hill,

I imagine he would sit at his table

drinking coffee on mornings like this.

I picture him here, content, as he grew old,

savoring the oak floors, the stone

fireplace--safe shelter

from west winds that could batter

lesser dwellings and he might look out

at the islands, remembering

when he'd sailed among them

and when his coffee was finished,

go out into the soft air

to feed birds, check his apple trees

and admire the hundred tulips

he'd planted by the front door,

their bodies bent low in the rain.

- mimi