Errands Etched in Snow

Outside all is blank;

Then, for an instant, sunshine--

Just for an instant.

Shadows on the snow;

Outside the blankness of white

With dark dimensions.

Long pillars of ice

Hang from the edge of my roof--

Crystalline and bright.

The path is beaten

To the barn and back again:

Errands etched in snow.

Framed by the tall trees

Clouds move imperceptibly

Across the blue sky.

Sprouting from the snow

Dead branches imitate life

In deep winter's freeze.

Shadows in the woods

Mix darkly with the sunshine;

Then both fade away.

Sawdust on the ground;

The loud sound of buzzing saws--

Work crews are busy.