the golden leaves
turn brittle
break off the oak
and whittle
even the trees
are noncommittal

I wonder why
the ground freezes
after a cloud blew
too many sneezes
covering it in frost
all the crops are lost

I wonder why
children weep
crowded in pens
like sheep
none dive deep
they fish in shallow water
are weasels like the otter

I wonder why
the boy sports a black eye
when all that’s bruised
on the man is his ego
a whisky ******* mosquito