Scarecrow

With an empty sleeve

the old scarecrow flaps and flaps

at a thieving crow.

Wildflowers

Rumi, as you whirled

did you see the wildflowers

clinging to your feet?

Even though I know

every note of the old songs,

my tongue turns to stone.

wind, relentless wind,

sweeping away the rubbish

from the courthouse square

After spring planting,

the hem of the scarecrow’s coat

keeps unraveling.

Tin watering can—

the rose near the backdoor step

gets a good soaking.

my father’s ashes

dribbling from a plastic bag

punctured by a mouse

Her knees creak and snap

as she mounts the back-porch steps

after planting mums.

While the fruit vendor

takes a quick afternoon nap,

a boy swipes three plums.

over tea and scones

on the day after Easter—

morsels of gossip