earth

autumn’s golden leaves
tossed before me like gold coins.
i run for money.

the air cool and brisk.
the room naked with peeled trees.
no trees, no relief.

the night is weary.
the sky a black river high.
the earth dry as bone.

yellow fluttering leaves.
they bid adieu till anon.
goodbye summer love.

leaves of gold currency
fall in piles across my path.
king surveying my kingdom.

across the prairie
icy whiskers sniff the ground.
the coming winter’s hound.