What life
shoves a shadow
against the wall:
what wall
throws a shadow
against flowers
not growing well
in the shade:
what child is this
who holds clouds’
rain on flowers
roses marigolds alyssum:
she sleeps in my bed
never waking
until what dream
shows how life’s shadow
lights the cold room
ready for plot: and love
throws lesser shade on what
grows bright and tired in the sun.  

Carol Ellis
02 09 17