It is often
easier to write
the landscape
without the pollution
of people.
This hillside
was once
wild with color
“Checking In,” “Second Nature” and “All you need know”
There you are Dad
on our cobbled deck
splayed out in my favorite chair,
our nearly feral cat
content to be on your lap.
You hold up the perfect tomato
so round and red-ripe—
I can almost smell it.