After the departure
of winter,
of cara caras—
the arrival of white blossoms,
pollen, dusk moths,
bats diving for seconds.
After the departure
of my dark-mute-crash
in your absence—
the arrival of sweet,
prickly pear cactus,
green-purpling in tangelo sun.
After the departure
of cold,
of hibernation—
the arrival of migration,
your ready arms cloaking
the naked-bleed of me.
After the departure
of bleak season,
waning spirit—
the arrival of glittering sky
beyond palm bones—
and my ribboned heart
stitched whole
in the pulse
of your hand.
© 2025 Jennifer Wagner