Cenizo Journal Winter 2020 | Page 22

Daniela C. Lara Certified Public Accountant 1701 W Highway 90 • Alpine (432) 837-5861 • Cell: (432) 249-1040 Fax: (432) 837-5516 Email: dlar449@yahoo.com P O E T RY by BARBARA GREGG HEAVEN’S PORCH For Madge, Jaybee, the cat and Pun’kin, a baby skunk. A morning just outside Ft. Davis, gray cottony clouds atop Blue Mountain slowly slide down — a misty fog bank that fills Blue’s valley. Fog soon covers a white farmhouse and windmill which disappear into the rainy avalanche. I see nature’s drama from a house up a hill across the road. Here, an intricate rock porch has seating for daily theater with a feathered cast of hundreds. Tiny yellow butterflies and bees gorge on nectar. Rock and metal shamans sanctify wraparound gardens. This adobe casa has wide tile and brick patios, large cedar posts and a musical tin roof. An oasis where fat dove, scrub jays, lesser goldfinch and a covey of scaled quail looking for their snacks gather around feeders. Hundreds of hummingbirds also assault sweet water feeding tubes. These black chinned, ruby throat, broad tailed and other playful sprites work to survive. Hebert’s Heirlooms & Resale BIGGEST SELECTION West of the Pecos Open 10am to 9pm Mon - Sat Antiques & Collectibles Old & New hebertsheirlooms@yahoo.com 22 432.837.7476 605 E Holland Ave • Alpine 1250 N. State Street Fort Davis 432-426-3141 www.twinpeaksliquors.com Cenizo Winter 2020 Daily, a ladderback woodpecker pair feast on suet and — while hanging upside down— drink their fill of sugar water from hummer’s special feeders. At dusk, a baby skunk arrives — cleans up dropped seeds, sips dripping water and looks to the house — hoping for wieners that sometimes fly through the air. Heaven’s porch is nurturing, with nature’s soundtrack as background. Time flowing gently lets worry pass on by. Life’s memories become simple, healing. Here I can believe that there is hope for our future.