Gone to Ground

 

when weather moods to strange
the townies look a certain look
at distant silver cloud sweep

read moveable graffiti
in litter ground spin
that spreads across a walk

they orient to steeple
listen for the Angelus
think-pray deliverance

clear cushions from a porch
plan indoor birthday parties
consult the Almanac

speak quietly with neighbors
when black swans shelter glide
to a weeping willow

and when a wedge of geese
disintegrates to strands
within a frantic clamor

the townies…wise and stoic
know temporary, and already
they are gone to ground

Bonnie Marshall

Artist: Jamie Wyeth
“Other Voices” 1995