Rainy Night

Tonight the rain spatters
onto the tin shed roof
tree branches scratch
its side - a tormented protest
cries the end of Summer. It

is still hot. The cat
stretches and circles his nest,
the chaise stands steady
under his prodding paws.
Night gives voice to crickets,

wings to leaf that Autumn shoves
as if one brief flight
will render them free
before they are caught by the pull
of unsettled puddles.