Cast Chirps and Shadows

Cow stands in the door
Watching crows peck the lawn.
It's live and let live.

Field was filled with snow;
Now there's not even a trace.
Was it all a dream?



On the higher branches
Buds begin their swelling,
Closer to the sun.

A sharp acrid smell;
Smoke billows from behind the house--
Someone's spring burning.

The sun and the birds
Emerge as the clouds move on,
Cast chirps and shadows.

Distant rooster crows,
Its cry rolling up the hill
Piercing the shadows.







The tree stump monster
Clenched the stone hard all winter
But did not eat it.

Light green, translucent
Fern contrasts with the dark ground
Soaking up the sun.