snow-melt flows
into the streets
traces of winter
edge crusted walks
sunlight resets dormant
inner timekeepers,
urging us toward
the fresh promise
of spring

snow-melt flows
into the streets
traces of winter
edge crusted walks
sunlight resets dormant
inner timekeepers,
urging us toward
the fresh promise
of spring
winter moon
the coyotes
cry
frosted needles, evergreen
full-throated crescent moon
puppy’s white-toothed smile
prolonged absence
the sun shifting
ever southward


two large dogs bark & growl
with proprietary, ferocious intent
an invisible fence keeps them at bay
our Coco gives each one barely a glance
as we continue on our merry way
counter-swipes, long cavalcade of weary sighs
tattered Nikes stickied to grungy-brown floor tiles,
streaked & grimed with street debris, society’s refuse
she sweeps away the crunch of discarded breakfasts —
crumbly mango-oatmeal-raisin, jellied toast
biscuit smatterings of cinnamon, brown sugar & nutmeg
the promise of a few deep drags at 1:15,
sole enticements to endure another dreary morning
fresh air &
vitamin D
but that wind —
so raw, brisk
& bitterly cold
hidden rabbit
scurries from wintering spirea
little one, I mean no harm!
all caught up on those missed hours of sleep
two days past, two nights of wired brain,
shuffling across the living room carpet, lights off
quiet all around, with that frenzied internal hum
I’m better now, a three-hour mid-morning nap
all systems GO until the next late-night snafu
Chit Chat