They Speak in Emergencies

How loud the birds cry;
They speak in emergencies
As the cars rush by.











Trembling in the wind--
Thin seed pods against the tree,
Holding out 'til when?

Back on his tree top
The silhouetted old crow
Surveys his kingdom.

In Spring they are swamped
By a myriad of blooms;
Now they rule the snow.












Shadows side by side--
My own and the two tall trees
Suddenly are gone.















Sun and clouds play tag;
The shadows are dark and bright;
Then they slip away.

Sudden gust of wind
Blows mists of snow from the tree
Lit up by the sun.

A giant black bird
Lifts slowly over the road
Flapping his large wings.