Prairie Waters by Night

Chatter of birds two by two raises a night song

joining a litany of running water-sheer waters

showing the russet of old stones remembering many rains.

And the long willows drowse on the shoulders

of the running water, and sleep from much music;

joined songs of day-end, feathery throats and stony waters,

in a choir chanting new psalms.

It is too much for the long willows when low laughter

of a red moon comes down; and the willows drowse and sleep

on the shoulders of the running water.