Richard Straw

lilacs in bloom . . . 
at the long hike's end
pausing in shade
trash bag in hand—
moonlit woodlot muffles 
a hound's bark
pine grove in fog--
horses' necks curved 
to morning hay
dark shoreline-- 
one last cast 
with the wind
a few red leaves--
strokes of the rower
quicken near the dock
tackle box 
collecting dust 
all summer
fallen maple leaves 
on distant relatives' graves--
car door left open
turning a corner--
candles in windows
closed to winds
black horse 
noses frosted grass stems—
year's end