David Chorlton
Synesthesia: A Triptych
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.
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.
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.