Golden State Awakens

This morning as we scampered

along, stepping without thinking

into early light,

the grasses were woven into sheaths

that glowed and kissed the river below

with joyful thoughts of contented times.

Breezes carried the tops of trees

whispering good fortune,

pleasing all who stroll along water’s edge

where children stumble and tumble,

laugh and shout, and hide in twos and threes

behind fat oaks; they’re holding

hands and in their glee and supple bones

know the truth of each moment’s

buoyant speech.

And the golden grasses, trustworthy

witnesses, start to sing their wild prayer

as day deepens into its dance

of color, its wild, intricate design.