Outside In

outside, the lightness of day

inside, claustrophobia lurks

windless currents push leaves

from their tree limbs...  clouds

circle around the ponds as if

playing cowboys and indians;

a red clay sky flies the fall

flag of gentleness once all

the hummingbirds have left,

a strange feeling overcomes

the valley as its mental outlook

changes to questionable concern;

outside, the darkness of night

inside, too much of everything

time moves counterclockwise

as age moves forward, sinking

deeper into the quicksand of

life without needing to struggle.

1 November 2022