June 18: Back porch

rotting porch rail

again the rhododendron 

in full bloom

June 5: Phoebe

neighborhood

phoebe’s regular perch

on our lawn chair

June 2: Catbird seat

freedom of choice

sitting on the porch

to listen to the catbird

June 1: Double feature

1

that time again

purple irises

along the old white shed

2

that time again

I’d forgotten 

there were all these flowers

May 29: Quince

amazed again each spring

by the color

of the quince blossoms

May 11: Song Sparrow

realizing I’m within

his territory

sparrow’s song

May 10: Nap

falling asleep 

to the lawnmower’s hum

al fresco

February 28: Windfall

fallen branch

from my neighbor’s willow

hung up on our fence 

February 11: Sunday morning

Snow melted by rain.

Cat and I on the back porch

sniffing the air.

February 2: Trompe l’œil

Small hole in a tree—

looks like an owl’s perched in there

but it’s a knot. 

December 20: Three crows

Three crows perched low

waiting for whatever

is thrown from the mouse traps.

November 23: Thanksgiving

Cold morning, no snow.

Titmouse singing in the yard.

Thankful.

November 15: Dark early

Darkness by 5.

Hoping I don’t meet a skunk

on my way inside.

October 27: Foliage

Packing for a trip.

Maple tree in the yard

just starting to lose leaves.