I do not understand the noise
that comes from the television
or the freeways
or the open mouths
of the people in charge.
This is the language I understand:
The maple leaf
slowly twirling down
from its branch
The trickle of water
seeping out of the rocks
The water boatman rowing
to the bottom of the pool
The cottonwood leaves
turning, whispering
whispering, turning