outside climbs in
robin chatter
wind flare
squirrel scamper
the raspberry lemon cake
slice on the window ledge
warms in the shade
C sent me an article
to read about golden
shadow & I realize
that it is envy climbing
out of my stomach –
a determined wasp
not jealousy
the distinction sits
on the window ledge
a crumpled napkin
with a dog hair tucked
in a dirty fold
VANESSA SHIELDS 