there are ways to make of the moment a topiary

After all, there’s no need 

to say anything 

 

at first. An orange, peeled 

and quartered, flares 

 

like a tulip on a wedgewood plate 

Anything can happen. 

 

Outside the sun 

has rolled up her rugs 

 

and night strewn salt 

across the sky. My heart 

 

is humming a tune 

I haven’t heard in years! 

 

Quiet’s cool flesh— 

let’s sniff and eat it. 

 

There are ways 

to make of the moment 

 

a topiary 

so the pleasure’s in 

 

walking through. 

 

[Rita Dove {1952- } 'Flirtation', from Museum]