Only the Holes Know

Sun has disappeared;

Clouds have fully cloaked the sky; 

Whole world is gray now.

Gliding past my house

A figure with a red hat;

Animal or man?

Rhododendron buds

Stand up brightly this dim day;

Don't mind the weather.

Where are the lilacs?

Only their dim leaves remain.

(Not even a scent).

Stream is all shadows:

Liquid darkness and cloud light.

Faint water whispers.

Receiving new gifts

Flat rock graciously accepts them,

Its stone arms open.

They are still waiting

For wind to blow them away:

These patient seed puffs.

Eating on the road

Goat enjoys some new freedom;

(Then he's had enough).

Woodpecker's pecking--

Did they find anything here?

Only the holes know.

The magic wood snake

Poised in mid air, not to strike,

But to take a look.