Hiatus

Back from a decade’s break.

Only homo sapiens can take. Bumblebees buzz 

between lavender in front of the house.

Hummingbirds can’t take leave.

They whiz round the feeder 

under the eave. The raucous, rufus defends 

more than drinks. Its hijinks delight. 

On the dot any day

their genetic clock will chime – go south.

Five at the red disc, space for six.

They bow heads. 

A sixth arrives and, then, surprise, 

one scoots right to make room.

To strive not to tell lies,

To not let my yen for comparison

detour to fabrication, 

to name for those who can’t,

In the days I have to come,

This is my prayer.

The world doesn’t retreat

On sabbatical. Alone one morning the feeder sways,

Whether or not, I choose

To dot a last line.

—David Markwardt