The empty stems of the fennel

Under umbrella heads of raindrops

Are perches for the waiting birds

 

The grey green sage leaves

Glow crystal white in the frost

 

Moss grows where the branch

Leaves the trunk of the bonsai

Its ruddy leaves falling

 

Amongst the yellowing leaves

A single crimson rose bud perishes

 

Yellow leaves have fallen from the dogwood

Leaving its blood-red stems

Amongst the tangle of a Russian vine

 

On the ground

Sparrows squabble