Hays Travelogue

Small birds scamper up and down burled trunk of locust tree before storm hits.

In a sheltered nook, one young sycamore clings to its bright yellow leaves.

Shift of wind brings sudden rain. Stubborn leaves twirl at tips of their branches.

After day of gray drizzle, a single shaft of sun pierces the woods.

A dozen crows settle in hilltop meadow. The only sound: feathers.