stepping ankle deep

in a creek that yesterday

wasn’t even there

the way our heads

turn in concert

at the sound of rain

the steady breathing

of the already asleep —

late night comfort

after the concert

crickets and night breezes

tuning up

dry leaves

in the gutter —

summer’s death rattle

giving in

limb by limb —

September maples

open windows —

we keep the trees up

with our talking