Tryon Creek. Oregon

Fierce sharp-shinned hawk squeaks,
in his best big boy hawk voice,
"Kinglet for dinner!"

Oregon. Tryon Creek.

Rapid giggling stream.

Soft applause of rain. Circles

bloom where two sounds meet.

Owlet, last to leave,

(his siblings eager to jump)

just takes a moment.

Silent coyotes

document their partnership:
crisscrossed prints in snow.

Oregon. Tryon Creek.

Dark clever raven

unfolds the forest; her slow

origami flights.

Horrified robins

shriek; she’s stolen a nestling

(plump, naked, struggling).

Quick dispatch of life.

She plucks delicate pink meat.

Her own brood awaits.