1
         The wet wood costs us real money,

but these dry chips he threw in for free.
         It’s no way to run a business,
but our fire burns beautifully.

     2
         On Thanksgiving, the phone

suddenly stops working. For this, too,
         Lord, we give thanks.

     3
         Great pines in November light:
sitting inside their shadows
          what is death to me?

     4
         Everyone is always younger than me

and more beautiful. Actually,
          this arrangement works.


     5
         Three black dogs in gray light

at dusk, tails up, faces together:
         nothing is missing.