outside, a crow climbs the steep angle of the neighbor’s roof
rain drips from the fig tree, branches bare and barren
inside, heat rattles the registers
boys squeal in delighted play on the blue carpet

rain drips from the fig tree, branches bare and barren
on my lap, a fleecy blanket and an open book
boys squeal in delighted play on the blue carpet
before me, a cozied teapot and a white china cup, brim-full

on my lap, a warm fleecy blanket and an open book
why are you cast down, o my soul
before me, a cozied teapot and a white china cup, brim-full
hope in God, for I shall again praise him

why are you cast down, o my soul
outside, a crow climbs the steep angle of the neighbor’s roof
hope in God, for I shall again praise him
inside, heat rattles the registers

Photo by amandabhslater, Creative Commons via Flickr.