
Well finally the leaves begin to turn;
the fall has been delayed by climate change.
For weeks our land and forests were a-burn,
and now the local fauna’s acting strange.
The critters that should shelter won’t adjourn –
they flit and fly and don’t reduce their range.
They eat so late they’re taking all the fruit,
so our persimmon tree is destitute.
(Ottava Rima)