leveling the gaze

yesterday evening, the ice cream truck
made the rounds in my neighborhood.

summer is finally purring into view.

the light is right where i want it,
catching you perfectly as you bend
toward the magnolia tree on the deck.

your eyes close to meet its scent,
and in my own way, i, too, am leveling
my gaze, unfurling myself from where
i have been hiding for so long.

it is not the bright sing-song echoing the streets
that convinces me to rise, at last,
from my tight and troubled room.

it is the sight of you, guarding our whole house
from each capricious season, tending the garden
with your bright and blooming heart.