On the branch, a snap, a creak
and the pinches of a warbler’s beak.
One bug, two bugs, all caught quick
from bark to twig and foliage mixed.
His hunger demands in all its might
to be sated before the southern flight;
Winter comes, a long cold night.
the nights still hold midday’s breath
but on deceptive winds, the winged flee
heralding the approaching cold
fall’s crispness
winter
snap
purple asters arc
radiantly
from oak trees
acorns hang heavy
and drop
underfoot
on the last gust
of summer wind
the hummingbirds
arrive
and make haste
RED GLADIOLA 