The downpour ends . . .
much discussion inside
the balsam fir

rumors —
a hillside
     of kudzu

back to school
the bitter end
of the cucumber

family album —
the cherry branches in bloom
now bare

the sheep too
were always here
standing stones

evening star
the skiff’s wake whispers
in the reeds

still some song
in the four strings left —
summer’s end

Sabbath morning
the transfigured face
of the shaped-note singer

the day after
the family reunion
visiting graves

earthquake season —
the moth orchid
begins to flutter