Stones laid dry below the frost
tree trunks adzed to beams
chestnut horizontals
Braced with oak on upright poplar
plumbed and pinned and standing firm
until the people disappear.
The roof gives up to rain
and then it won't be long
the earth reaching up to pull it down
Outbuildings with their secrets
shadows move behind old glass
don't tell me no one's watching.
