Downside Up Moon

Downside Up Moon

July 21, 2024  Full Moon

-In solidarity with reeling, dizzy & overheated beings

I keep feeling good

at least okay, not-terrible

this I blame on the equanimity of birds

who continue to scrutinize gnarly branches

wiping their orange & black beaks

across lichens’ hoarse surface

& making their dawn-of-creation ecumenical merriment

            I tried to lay there

in one soft spot

as the magic carpet sun

pivoted like Rumi on his heel of Turkish stone

my breath again stolen & again returned

as ambulance raced through

dry fragrant hills

crying out

            It is high summer

            we know it is burning

and still

birds adorn the perforated sky

cloud penumbra murmuration

graceful

as an overturned sequoia

crown of roots

up ended.

Poem by Qayyum Johnson

Painting by Suiko McCall. Correct All Wrongs With One Intention, Lojong series, 2023. Prints available at suiko.art.