above the autumn lake
two black eared kites dive

and climb
and call to each other

three loons launch
across the lake

the heron
powder blue

stands stone still
on the sandy shore

we are all wild music
we are all songs vanishing

their bodies coppery
in the autumn light

the dragonflies dip
and ripple

drawing sips
from the surface

of the lake
last night

cold in its full command
the moon

bright
through a sillage

of clouds
in the distance

there are always
stars

in the distance
there are always

storms

it is early september
and the afternoon light

already carries
an autumnal bend

red and gold
begin to pulse

and unfold
this morning

a hawk rippled
in celebratory circles

and the last of the wildflowers
listed toward the seasonal sun

when        our quick wings slow
when        the toll of life is heavy

i was with my mother
the morning she died

and i held her hand
that was her final gift

to me

most days on the lake
i see the red-tailed hawk
slow in deliberate circles

one or both herons
their shadows keeping speed
across the water

butterflies
chaotic in their crossing
from one shore to the other

ripples        of         fish        ripples        of        wind

it was dead
on the side of the road

wings wide with surprise
it's feathers it's eyes

already dull with death
crows are clever birds

but sometimes
they linger too long

in the road
seeking a seed

cracking a nut
poking at

this
and that

mornings        when the whole body hurts
afternoons      when the shadows are so sharp
evenings         when the sky is calloused with stars

when i am lost
please find me