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David Chorlton

Synesthesia: A Triptych

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Springtime is the fire that lifts a mountain from the ground.

The earth beneath it flies

in scented trajectories. Yellow birdsong fills

the air, and river waters ring blue against

their aching banks. Saguaro flowers bloom in a major key

while doves address the light with perfumed calls.

Coyotes project bright voices

toward the sky, which is a tremolo waiting

for a theme to begin in the buds

as they open to transform fragrance

into the crackling at the heart

of every flame.

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Only the sky can hear

such cries as the coyotes hold

inside themselves until

the time comes to release them. In the darkening

moment the horizon

lifts a wing against the sun

a canine prayer flies toward the universe

and turns to gold

between the stars.

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The mystery flower blooms without warning.

It breaks the desert silence

in a key of red major

and when the tip of midnight’s compass needle

points toward infinity

the petals open in the dark

and guide the lost ships in Heaven

to safe harbor.

David Chorlton
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