In the spring after the drought

1.
I built a swing set
it stands stocky with invisible swings
under a tree tall with dead branches
as bugs flit down in the yard light

time passes, time has passed

there are trees to cut down
the cottonwood survivors rustle, “Gone, gone…”
my dear daughter contemplates college
my sweet son passes from child to teen
the swings are empty

I planted more seeds
sunflowers in front of the house
lettuce and corn in the raised beds behind
the wind chime suggests rain
but I will set out sprinklers tomorrow.