Galapagos's tortoises maintain An interesting reflex when a bird Alights upon them, it's as if the brain Declares all other stimuli deferred- They haul their massive carapaces high As short and stump-like legs will them allow, With necks upraised, gravity to defy, As still as figurehead upon ship's prow. This unresponsive state lets native finches … Continue reading June 14: The Finch Response

When through the open window evening breeze Delivers a distinctive sort of funk, I know that for some time I'll take my ease Surrounded by the stink of eau de skunk. Inhaling that distinctive sulfurous scent, Reminds me of my childhood when a whiff Of woodland musk inevitably meant That with a skunk our dog … Continue reading June 11: Le Pew

A solitary gull ignores the water In hopes that tasty tidbits come his way From those who crowd the rocks to spot an otter Along the kelp-choked edges of the bay. Disdainfully regarding all the squirrels Whose antic japes delight the human flocks, He claps his wings, demanding their deferral, And sends them scurrying among … Continue reading June 1: Unmitigated Gull

O tree whose bounteous blossoms glow between Silver-white brightness of overcast sky, The sidewalk gray, and foliage of green; Your vibrancy cannot but draw the eye In neon violet marching up the hill Flanking the street, perfectly parallel; Prolific panicles that gently spill Scalloped corollas in a silent knell. These brief, abundant weeks will end … Continue reading May 28: Hail to Purple

The grass parched by unseasonable heat Though irrigated regularly, browns. The howling Santa Ana winds deplete The soil of moisture, leaving dusty mounds. The populace sits on a tinderbox, Collective breaths held for the winds to change Thus sparing homes in residential blocks And shifting the evacuation range. Cooperation's been unprecedented Between the numerous fire … Continue reading May 16: Burning

O blow, you desiccating desert wind! Wrench limb from trunk and dash it to the ground! Snap saplings! Sandblast eyes! Crack tender skin! With writhing branches doors and windows pound! Your cruelty is indiscriminate, No ocean breeze can cool that righteous ire No more than night can force you to abate Or mercy stay your … Continue reading May 1: Santa Anas

Full moons are lovely but familiar sights. They cast their gleaming silver and evade The sharpened shadows of a ravenous night, Until encountering Earth's umbral shade; For when most sleepers to their beds' embrace Succumb, hushed conversations will emerge When neighbors find their spouses have misplaced The telescope that passed their latest purge. My seat's … Continue reading April 15: Blood Moon

It's said a picture's worth a thousand words, And yet a thousand pictures can't depict The smell of pine and flashing blue of birds Against the snowy trees. Words will restrict The shushing crunch of skis on perfect snow, The craggy panorama through crisp air, To paltry meanings of the words I know; Illimitable Beauty, … Continue reading April 3: Ski Ball

To breakfast at sea level then to sup Eight thousand feet above where you began And see a cloudy peak when you look up, Such boundless beauty fills one with elan. And yet, each step you take further uphill Convinces you your boots are made of lead. You persevere, of course, by force of will … Continue reading March 30: Altitude Adjustment