I step out ready to step back in
my instinct has become  to caution
yet her surprised presence  was bedecked in delight 

my squirrels would love these
she exclaimed  the sunflowers bowing between us
their regal heads stalwart on lean necks
turned toward the rising sun

into her smiled face  alight 
I could resist nothing
my smile returned in kind

so much clarity
black and white coherence 
nothing between us 
in this passing moment

I went on to water the flowers
pull the weeds
trim the shaggy bushes of their uneven ends
watch the sweet yellow finches appreciate the blooms ornamented along the front walk
all the while her face brilliantly transfixed upon the open doorway
my mind had just become