early morning
glue sets in the shade
of the old shed

early warmth
in the backyard a flicker
pokes among rocks

that dull gleam
through the hazy park —
a playhouse window

one maple leaf . . .
end over end on the sand
without a trace

everywhere this morning
maple keys soaking in
the gentle rain

summer dawn —
light around the windows
as at grandmother’s

thump and screech —
the long freight pulls out
in robin’s song

restless pigeons —
gentle words from a clerk
bring a hint of tears

crescent moon
would I look at the clouds
without it?

how to tell
of the myriad rich browns?
pin-oak leaves