Nesting

I am the only one awake
on this street of sunburst puzzle houses

rain drips off the leaves
like sweet beads of sweat earned from honest labor

our swallow still perches on her nest above my head
her mate sits on the porch light by the door
reminding me that my place on this stoop
is allowed through generosity of their trust

after all, we chose this house to shelter our beloveds
and so must see the kindred in each other