Hummingbird Over My Shoulder

On 4th of July the serviceberry blossoms
purple with the smallest plums

a mock blueberry tall enough to meet
the lowest branch of ash

nestled near the foundation and spigot
all the elms gone to disease.

Lilies spout next to the neighbor’s garage
now only housing castoffs not cars

as it etches its way in 8 foot increments
to the back where the dog sits ready to bark

next to the shed with oak and cedar panels
waiting to be laid in the house 120 years old.

We are all old on this holiday of accordion
and guitar, clap our hands just off the blanket

wave to relatives in the frame gone now
waiting our turn.