House finch on yellow feeder
wind chimes twinkle 
announcing the start of 
backyard theater.

Hummingbirds flutter
sipping from hanging crimson.
Lizard stops to watch,
bees buzz in suspicion.

Berries, snickerdoodles,
giggles and tea.
Soft sugar scents and fine linen
a dish of honey.

Daughter and me.

"It's for you, Mommy,"
daughter says.

She passes a gift
sketched in pencil lead
of a ghost
holding its head...

"It’s my story.
I wanna make scary things, too!
Cuz I love you."