Relieved, I let the book fall behind a stone. br I climb a slight rise of grass. br I do not want to disturb the ants br Who are walking single file up the fence post, br Carrying small white petals, br Casting shadows so frail that I can see through them. br I close my eyes for a moment and listen. br The old grasshoppers br Are tired, they leap heavily now, br Their thighs are burdened. br I want to hear them, they have clear sounds to make. br Then lovely, far off, a dark cricket begins br In the maple trees.