Holding Winter's Place

From walks of February 26 and March 1, 2017

Walk of February 26, 2017

Phantom flakes of snow

Falling disconsolately

Are chased by the sun.

Porch shadows flicker

As the wind and sun collude

In a spectral dance.

Shadows on the moss

Are fixed and very stable;

(Just for a second)

Dead leaf on the pond

Merges with faint reflections

Of the sky and trees.

Random solar sign

Defaced by wind, dirt and chance.

(A taunt to the sun?)

Rotting tree and sign

Dissolve into each other--

Union of decay.

Floating through the air

Large snowflakes make their comeback,

Holding winter's place.

Walk of March 1, 2017

Mist on the mountain

Descends slowly to the earth 

In a blue gray veil.

Moisture's all around

Hanging in drops from the leaves;

Waiting in the sky.

Blackbird in a tree

Sings a soft and trilling song

To unseen sweetheart.

Dead leaves shake gently

In the moisture filled gray air

Encouraging rain.

At edge of the branch

Sprouting distinctly and clear:

A drop of water.

Couple starts jogging

Slowly and effortlessly,

Extending their walk.

Drops on my jacket

Make faint distant ticking sounds

Whispering the rain.

Boulder is bright green,

Covered by persistent moss--

Raising up the gray.