Envy (Memory Prescott, Arizona)

this circus realm is one discordant voice 
a puzzle of green  
I wander among inedible grasses 
estimate the progress of plants 

Latin names are lost in a mushy mix-up 
the dry tangle of the reptile weekend  
pale thorn shadows scratch legs, comb fur  
bend embryonic twigs 

purple irises push away the reward  
the common analogue of ascent  
the ionosphere cushions an endless stream 
scientific rays push down 

bronze bee daggers glean orange stamens 
a lucid sting 
hair, skin, fingernails, teeth 
tomorrow’s grain harvest  

rake tines and the crumbled property of a distant sport 
stray method dogs push the glue of meaning  
distinct and inky fingers limn the envious callus  
and facetious sinking heel 

the canyon marks the passage of wild animals 
their tough-guy story extracts pink ululations 
sheaves of algae twist the brown wire,  
bright and cold days filled with red thorns 

[RK, 5/15/2023]