D.K. SHEPARD

While I slept you launched your silent conquest

If I had taken up the late night watch

Would I have even noticed your onslaught

Musky perfume of these leaves laid to rest

A gasp of crisp air kissed by morning dew

Each summer the bright feathers fade

Change renders vibrancy to gray

White wind turbines

pierce the skyline,

Forget security and connections

Enjoy the view above a cloud ocean

Specific Pacific destination

To islands tropical and Hawaiian

In dark winter months we longed for warm sun

For the spring days of April, May, and June

For just an hour of light when work was done

Before the long nighttime reign of the moon

Days of endless summer trickle by

In a humid haze of fireflies,