seed hoards spilling
from the cabinets
of oak

mouse rustle

autumn creaking
in the dry
boards

splintery voices

leaf losses make
her windows wide
eyes bleating
lamb in dog teeth

prism cuts cast
sunset shards
on paneled walls

bark darkening

frayed velvet blue
blood pooling upon
shoulders
of old woods

at foot
belated flaxen
flame of infant
hair grasses

owl waking

rocking shadows
flickering
black stars

mouse shiver
under the dropped
leaves of the maple
changing table

skitter at the whisk
of dusky silk
up stairs

whisper of wings
softer than cotton
swaddle floating
down

the scent
of lemon
urine
talcum

wild dog running
down a narrow hall

bare limbs
crack

empty attic
eyes
tearing

bone leavings

nested

glint of
lulled coral

howl

Tom Koontz
Humpback Barn 1997