Leaves

The following “Haiku from Index Cards” celebrate autumn.

leaves blown in

at the barbershop door—

a distant argument

             (written 2011, published 2017)

leaves half eaten

by tent caterpillars—

marijuana plant

             (written 1992, published 1995)

leaves in a heap

by the funeral home door—

an idling limo

             (written 2006, published 2017)

leaves in piles . . .

      eggshells saved

      for the school diorama

             (written 1993, published 2003)

leaves in the fountain

              a penny sinking

         side to side

             (written 1992, published 2013)

leaves on the path—

the hedgetrimmer stops

for the funeral procession

             (written 2012, published 2017)

leaves rustling

into the National Cathedral

             (written 2017, published 2023; see “A Day in D.C.” rengay)

leaves turning

I brush my teeth longer

for the dental visit

             (written 2014, published 2024)

leaves turning—

the toboggan hanging

in the dark garage

             (written 2002, published 2004)