"Nostalgia,"
Aradhna Tandon
Robin Somers

Monarch Habit

He had always built shelters
from rain, sun, southern shadows
of geese formations
until she slipped out
like a yawn
wanting these things.

When he released, crimson passion flowers
flourished, purple bougainvillea clung
to his palms, siding, rooftops, doorways,
vines so sanguine and emerald
monarchs found his dwelling
irresistable.

Twilight blossoms closed like fists
sensing her return. She climbed
roof top, porches, hung
with the monarch canopy til dawn.
Street wires sagged with her pollen weight,
her orange, moon-soaked remergence.