you're prettier this way

on my tongue
a hint of lavender.

this morning the sky
is salt water taffy,
and i dress in an anorak
of wool and lace.

craving a monarchy of warmth,
like lady bugs hurling
poky wings
against glass,
i smiled sideways at a cardinal
swollen and hidden
in a pine sapping.

here i landed
in a river
of blinding yellow
to escape
those ravenous gulls.