Second Equinox

The grackles lift over the elms; and the taut irregular flight sways upward; a jay flashes blue and alights among leaves; the swell of autumn cracks open.

Wild grapes cluster rank on the wall; and beyond, in a watery field, the hay is spotted with asters; the sun loses heat; goldenrod flares with the fiery gall.

Ripeness heaves through the dry land; the leaves turn, ripped from the branch; frost clenches the weeds, and the leaves burn;

and this is the skeleton shape of the earth as fire spurts high through grass;

the wind rises; sun fades; the clouds strengthen;

doors swing shut against snow as the dark comes;

cactus is opening flowers under glass.