IN CHARGE

First published in March 2022

Suddenly the sun
is in complete charge
of the skies, strident,
omnipotent, conscious
of stripes on his sleeve,
yet the month of March
still has days to go.

From an outpost
high in the sky
the sun issues
instructions, ordering
the bare-boned trees
to get a move on. ;Time,'
he says, ;to dress in pink!'

Apple trees obey,
urging closed buds
to open up. They duly lift
pursed lips, impatient
for the sun's first kiss,
his warm hand on willing
limbs, blossom in waiting.

The magnolia bush
responds immediately
shrugs on full gear in
purest white, stands
guard by the front steps
resplendent in
top-to-toe brilliance.,

the sun in full charge.