four tall palms

four tall palms
stretch their necks into
the blue of an April sky

I pause to watch a pair
of mourning doves perch,
move, and perch again

It truly feels like spring…
the day aches with beauty
it shimmers like a precious jewel

I breath in the cool
blossomed air and exhale
with a joyous sigh

but all will quickly pass as
fronds begin to quiver
and tremble in the glistening sun

they signal out a warning:
the devil wind is coming
with angry lash in hand

dry Mojave air and
stifling summer heat
shall rule the land

the palms will pitch and sway
in violent consternation
serenity will turn to chaos

spring is parceled out
in dribs and drabs these days
savor its fleeting essence