SOLO PIANO

On Art Tatum’s birthday,
October 13, let’s play

his “Tea for Two,”
as happy a view 

of marital bliss
as any duet conducted by two 

hands playing as if 
they’re the whole orchestra.

GOD’S GLORY

The black and white
finches make their nest 
in my red geraniums.
As I approach 
to water the flowers,
I hear them 
click, click, click,
as they scatter
to nearby shingles
and return when 
the danger’s over,
the human threat has passed.

NO MOON AT ALL

The trees long 
and lean go 
green to yellow, 

with orange 
leaves to follow
and no moon at all.

Minutes from now
the brown branches
will fade in 

an indigo sky, 
deep darkest blue, 
with angles, lines 

and curves you 
can barely distinguish
as darkness descends.