If I had no memory

I would say this is perfect,

This June late afternoon

And early evening.

Cat is walking the rim of the pond below

And here on the porch

We drink some wine while dinner cooks.

Let me go on: Behind us

     Through the blue screen door

     (We’re eased in green and purple canvas chairs)

Hard rock rolls rumors

Which turn explicit as I write.

He is reading North of Jamaica (excuse me

    but a bird of classical proportion

    just flew to the walnut tree)

And I am holding a book by Pinsky

When this day tilts.   The Rickenbacker rips

a drum-thump

and a bass full of moans

For a bad truth.

The garden hose lies coiled and reminds me

Yesterday I saw a snake in the gully

Turn its dry white underbelly up.