August

last days of August—

looking in vain for blossoms

on the cherry tree

Days

Little brown sparrow,

the days are getting shorter,

but your song grows long.

Last days of the year—

somewhere a hungry barn owl

swoops down on a mouse.

two days till Christmas—

across the snowy terrace

a frigid wind blows

last days of autumn—

one more time around the block

counting maple leaves

Last days of autumn—

will anyone warn the wren

that snow is coming?

days before Christmas

my wallet is emptier

than a drought-year stream