When the whole world
becomes too much,
let me find refuge.

Let me find refuge
in the shelter of morning
breaking through glass,
the spiced steam of chai tea.

Let me find refuge
in the sanctuary of sparrows
pecking at windows, crafting
nests inside Victorian transoms.

Let me find refuge
in the haven of spring trees
casting mulberries, sweet
enticement to doe, velvet-footed fox.

Let me find refuge
in the harbor of rain-soaked pine
limbs, dripping their Druid scent;
in lilacs, marigolds, geraniums.

Let me find refuge
in the stronghold of night sky,
balancing three hundred billion
stars, blinking their coded language.

When the whole world
becomes too much,
let me find refuge in my refuge.