Squirrels crack nuts, discarding their shells on the brick wall.
Moles burrow holes in the garden, scattering mulch on the stone walk.
A blue jay, startled, rustles in the pine and dives toward the trees, above which turkey vultures hover in a graceful loop.
A tiny nest hides in the planter, cupping fragile gray eggs. Their mother flutters back and forth if the broom gets too close.
Nature is oblivious to our temporary paralysis.
A reminder that life will go on.
Despite us.