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Joy Lives

Joy lives on a sandy beach -
the pelicans swooping
to touch the water,
dinner now served;
the seabirds gathering in groups,
turning in unison at the turn of the wind,
hoping for breadcrumbs from tourists;
the multitude of shells,
once housing for sea creatures,
now a source of wonder
in a child’s small hand.

Joy lives on a mountain trail -
the trillium, leaves of three,
with a single flower of white,
finding its way up
from the depths of decay;
the trickle of water
from an outcropping of stones,
glistening when the sun hits just right;
the roots of the trees,
a vast network of connection,
sending signals for survival.

Joy lives in the backyard -
the smell of freshly cut grass,
wild onions mixed in,
a carpet for playful squirrels;
a feeder of birdseed,
enough for all, with a birdbath to wash up,
yet still they compete;
a butterfly, wings of blue,
seemingly lazy in its flight,
a delight to watch
on its journey to nowhere.

Poetry by Melinda K Zarate