Clouds like mountains. A moist breeze.
Sunshine and heat. Mosquitoes buzz
near the cool caves of human ears, suck
the warm life from wet bodies, leave behind
the infernal itch which mixes with the softness
of the wind, lends a longing for peace, for belonging.
Grass like a carpet. A dry thunderstorm.
Noontime twilight. Chiaroscuro.
A blend of light and shadow washes
the land, highlights what we love to hate,
teaches us the difference between good and evil.
To thrive we must learn to love the weeds.
Daniel Cooper is a husband and father of three children. He lives in Houston, Texas where he teaches political science and Italian at a local community college. In his free time, he loves reading and writes the occasional short story or poem.