the back yard pool

with the garden hose

unraveled,

i fill up

the plastic pool

in the backyard,

ten inches deep and

above

ground of course

for a leisurely

afternoon of bathing,

but before i can put on my

red speedo

and grab my

pina colada

there's four yellow canaries

in the middle

floating

and flapping their wings.

excuse me,

i tell them as i slip

in, trying

not to spill my drink.