We return to the pond
where a koi slaps the water
and a turtle dives in.
As water falls into the pond,
I hear you breathe.

A dragonfly passes
and a sparrow hops
through the weeds.
As we sit in the shade,
I hear you breathe.

You will leave soon
and summer is ending.
As I hold you tight,
I hear you breathe.

The sky dims
and the wind is cool.
As we walk to the car,
I hold my breath
wishing it was morning.

—Ann Inoshita