ON THE DECK
Wrens trill, blue jays scream warning.
A black racer scaling the tree? The branch sways,
perhaps the red-shouldered hawk waits for a nestling.
Thunder grumbles, chickadees fuss.
In the woods, ferns wait for rain.
Jays attack the sitting hawk until she flies,
showing her striped tail.
A distant call, her mate hunts.
Only wind as the storm approaches.
The Cherry Blossom Review
