Manitoba skies are grey with autumn’s cloak

while decay holds hands with the dying

lost life gives up its last breath

and the bones of the earth turn cold

 

black stone ground lifts a dark haze

carnage from burnt orange serpant

snakes quiet along the horizon

as fields burn with pathetic homage

each farmer’s quarter a new altar –

one hundred Cains’ empty futile offerings

unwanted stubble earning only winter’s curse

 

best sleep now as sun runs away

stealing heat and life and love

and dream of pennies on the eyes of Spring