Under the Sun

early heat wave
the shade tree not yet
leafed out

road mirage,
the wait for thunder–
ordering
a scoop of pistachio
ice cream

earth baked
by relentless sun
my wide-brimmed hat

high tide
tomorrow always
comes
the shiny edge
of the field of vision

aloe vera
the cool rub down after
of a heated argument

the thorns
were young green
never-ending
vacation
in Mallorca

            — by Deborah P Kolodji, USA / Mariko Kitakubo, Japan