EVEN SUNFLOWERS WILT

even the sunflowers wilt
    in this summer sun

leaves turn brown
    crinkle at the edges

the elephant ears droop
    such sad elephants

the bird bath evaporates
    Jays have no place to splash

wasps gather at the leaky faucet
    even they are thirsty

we live inside
    survive on air-conditioning

leery of the unrelenting sun
    its cruel cancer

we wanted warmth in winter
    we never wanted this.