On an empty bench
silence settles at twilight
like a tired old cat.
Web
on a Starbucks cup
a black widow weaves her web—
deepening autumn
Stains
deepening autumn—
sunlight the color of tea
stains the garden path
Beak
in the blackbird’s beak
one drop of river water
for my gingko tree
Songs
How many more songs
will be allotted to you,
blackbird at the pond?
Blackbird
Blackbird at the pond,
the last time I saw your beak
it was filled with song.
Hat
Autumn afternoon—
the scarecrow’s tattered straw hat
takes off with the wind.
