Still Life with Asian Pears

Seeking Shelter

Stillness of an autumn dawn

disturbed by tap, tap, tap –

a woodpecker on a snag

that displays a few yellow leaves –

and the voices of birds

who have abandoned nests,

whose eggs have hatched.

A time of renewed searching

to stitch together shelter and sustenance

before arrival of wild, winter winds.

Lainie Senechal

Swamp Maples of Back River

Early October

Autumn makes its slow entrance,

vibration of brilliant red

finally settles on swamp maples

that line shore of Back River,

while oaks retain their drab green.

A solitary gull flies low

over sun-sparkled lake

as October’s golden light

illuminates purple clouds.

Soon bulbs will be buried,

before the first freeze,

our hope for an early spring.

Lainie Senechal