Silver maple drapes
like a hovering mother

comforts the critters
on the deck couch

reclined, wind strokes
skin like a heavy feather

gulls never stop laughing
skimmers skim and sandpipers pipe

harpooned by the bay
crabs ghost under water

I remember a tree
like this one

low branching, a palm opened
straddling the crotch like a saddle

what we are making
are pathways to travel again

memories formed like trails
to last through the wilting years 

I’m as calm as the catbird
sitting quiet by the gate 

welcomed here to live a great story 
to shape the coast of your heart