The Garden Path

Making my way

from the bathroom

I realize I’m

in paradise—

not aftermath of dream,

just a flash of daylight

in which flowers in the garden path

are arranged yet not fixed

the background shot through with single bird call

as I stumble towards bed

finding my way

from memory,

not lost or adrift, feeling an extraordinary

joy, not a euphoric pleasure, but

a balanced happiness, as if

I know, groping, I’ll be here again.