Last year's leaves whisper

in a foot-shuffle vortex

panic in the humus

there's a monster in soil city

bird eye head-cock alert

for an unwary meal

but something's in the wind

crows know

a bird flaps heavily away

a Change is coming

they always know and

they remember, keep their heads

through what for us is a strange oblivion

a crackle, a stirring in the wisteria

a moment of vertigo

a pause to gather lost thoughts

you slowly lower your binoculars

how long has that bird

been watching you?