The Winter Won't Miss Me When I'm Gone

the winter won't miss me when I'm gone

like it misses anyone buried in snow

with an ice sheet up above, firming

after one frozen month

skate across the Beaver River

as far as it will go

without falling in

succumbing to 

a tiger year soon to pounce 

when the days grow closer to spring

a spring calmly awaiting

understanding, meditating

when crocus sprouting

with prospects on the way

time to return 

for closure or 

to open the garden gate

 

December 19, 2021