laughter here, and joy

prospecting for a new home

away from this haven on the hill

with its view for seventy miles

to the snow-capped Cascades

this gift my husband gave

in love and joined me in fulfillment

in joy when hosting the family

in contentment watching birds

squat and squawk at the feeder

California quail dust bathing

with one too many to fit in the bowl

deer peering into our windows

fawns learn young to jump fences

elk herds mow down the wire fences

an ancient cow elk guarding

the calves frolicking in our lower field

there has been laughter here

and joy

cornmeal mush smoothed

cornmeal mush smoothed

so there are no lumps

that taste of dry cornmeal

smooth to the tongue

and grit between the teeth

sweetened by autumn honey

that brings amber, brown falling

leaves to live again in mind

and mouth