My Backyard

Rabbits nibble dandelion;
To the feeder birds are flying.
Lizards sun on stucco walls;
From the fence post cock-quail calls.
Through the glass door ground squirrels peer,
Curious but without fear,
Wondering what lies within;
Faces furrowed in chagrin.
Slender runner of the road
Stalks in lizard-searching mode.
Lizards scatter as he nears--
Instantly they disappear.
Wasps build nests beneath the eaves,
Flies are buzzing in the leaves.
Bees to every flower go,
Red ants scurry to and fro.
Yellow irises, and blue,
Roses, apple blossoms, too,
Give the scene a cheery charm;
Colors bright as days are warm.
Creatures live and recreate
In this place I cultivate.
Some live easy, some live hard,
But all live here in my backyard.

4/22/2025