Miss Grit

Smiling countenance
disarming, distracting

acting noiselessly
without malice

intentional mission
always her plan

empirical learner
with any attempt

not ever surprised
by piled-high obstacles

relentless attacker
until she masters.

Classical Drama

Chorus of greens
as prologue

eye-catching reds
in first act

yellow crescendo
for the second

resplendent display
at blazing climax

bronzed quickly
in the fourth

ghostly remains
at denouement.

Fall Foliage #16

Slowly, coldly the fire consumes
the solitary evergreen

flames licking from below
with advance of each fall day

smoldering to inferno
expanding its surround

finally all burns away
except the resurrected tree.

Fall Foliage #17

Why so much beauty
given free by nature
whether seen or not

only humans need
to mythologize
this color explosion

sight unmolested
sanctifies, purifies
with incorruptible glory.

Moose Attack

Archetypical poster
serene north woods scene
moose in lake shallows
munching lush, green grasses
against forested tableau

close by at one side
kayaker in red
idling on placid surface
with watchful pleasure
in unsuspecting pose

suddenly the moose
explodes into 3-D action
loping across tall reeds
in pursuit of sweetheart prey
dressed in seductive red

damsel in much distress
swiftly paddles away
to safer, deeper depth
except he swims with ease
closing the distance between

she shifts into frantic gear
skimming across the lake
with steel-trapped, paddling grip
thus rebuffed, the lovesick moose
gives up his quixotic suit

one by one, she uncurls
her oar-locked finger joints
surprise and fear subsiding
she waves to distant mate
he still filming this epic chase.