New Neighborhood Voice

John Leary on his porch
on Enchanto Vista Drive
(Photo from Howard Shellhammer)

I ask
that you enrich and strengthen me this day.

let me taste cold, pure water
from an upwelling spring
prismatic in the day's pervasive light,

let me savor the fragrance
of eucalyptus leaves
drying in the sun

let me see exquisite flowers, closed to the dark,
unfurl themselves in the light,
to beckon the bee,

let me hear the metronomic rhythm of the sea
as the waves smooth the shore,

let me touch the warmth and softness
of her who lies beside me.

let my life be nourished
by each of these, your gifts.

John Leary