Underfoot,

restive shift & drift

of fallen leaves –

maple, oak, hickory.

Above,

broad sky stirred

to depth of blue

half-recalled,

unprecedented.

Linger, Autumn.

The kettle boils –

always have I time

for you.

— C.Birde, 11/21

The oxalis –

brought indoors

before first frost,

to save it

from expiry –

drops leaves

       wine-dark

       shriveled

       paper-dry

Tongueless

Mute objection

of cold & dark

to come.

— C.Birde, 11/21