just as I know of your trust in me,
yet on my evening walk up the mountain path
I could not help but pick a few blue pearls
to roll around in my palm.

Then, like one urged by addiction,
I reached for clump after clump as they rose
on slender stems like cats standing on back feet
to meet my petting hand.

So I filled both pockets and my hat
while cartoon balloons floated by carrying
steaming pies, golden cakes and plump muffins
oozing warm and juicy berries.

I did not mean to take so many,
to embezzle those few dollars from your pocket.
Anyway, I made only muffins
and can’t offer you even one in payment,
for then I’ll have to confess my crime.

(For more by Carlene Tejada and “Blue Pearls” go to www.totalrecallpress.com or www.amazon.com.)