Silence

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

deepening autumn—

sunlight the color of tea

stains the garden path

in the blackbird’s beak

one drop of river water

for my gingko tree

How many more songs

will be allotted to you,

blackbird at the pond?

Blackbird at the pond,

the last time I saw your beak

it was filled with song.

Autumn afternoon—

the scarecrow’s tattered straw hat

takes off with the wind.