So early did I go to bed last night
that I arose before the dog today.
I tried to lift my feet to proper height
when walking Shelby to her morning play,
but I, still suffering from weariness,
and feeling this fatiguing month so well,
returning home, beset by bleariness,
confused my steps and to the pavement fell.

But home contained a hug to comfort me,
more coffee and a book to help me smile,
and here’s a hummingbird all fluttery
that sips the salvia, staccato style:
A body green and throat of ruby red
affirm the foliage about its head.