drifting leaves
the scent of smoke
shorter days
toward winter lead
in the woods
a barren look
where silence builds
before the dark
but on the lakes
a lively scene
as ducks and geese
escape the snow
across the fields
the weathered stalks
where voles and quail
reclaim the spoil
and in the skies
the raptors soar
intent to cull
the weak and old
