Mid-December Snow<\/strong><\/p>\n

I made sure to walk in the early morning
\nbefore the flakes turned to freezing rain,
\nthat falling New Jersey slush
\nstings your face\u00a0and eyes\u00a0with
\na hissing chill not yet ice.<\/p>\n

But now the only sounds other
\nthan the hush of snow are
\na distant truck and my quiet trudge.
\nSoft, white, cold\u2026 newly covering
\nthe world\u2026 destined to melt,
\nbut spring as distant as
\na promise still unbroken
\nmakes me doubt
\ndeath can again be delayed.<\/p>\n

Hunkered down for winter.
\nLeaves all gone and every flower wilted.
\nThe squirrel that doesn\u2019t hibernate.
\nThe blue jay who never flies south.
\nThe neighbor woman wearing
\na red parka, looking at her phone
\nwhile walking her Labrador
\nwet fur glistening like amber flames
\n\u2013 joyous tail, tongue pink and dangling \u2013
\nhis bark of recognition instantly muffled.<\/p>\n

copyright 2016, held by author<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n