feeling snowflakes sting on cheeks
a dark expanse of sky flies past
sending them all in a flurry
catch one on your tongue
a fleck of cold gone too fast
and a moment too fleeting
even to grasp
winter
follow the sun
another dawn breaks
casting a hazy glow
around the mountain peaks
slowly creeping its way
into the valley
carving the sky
the sun has a path
one tracing the earth
always predictable
but always welcome
as we start each day
the sun continues course
and snow starts to melt
underneath the warmth
to let the grass, the trees
break through once more
building buds and blossoms
to decorate the land over
and green comes home
reaching ever, ever skyward
but let the sun stay
right where it will stay
and follow it ’til dusk
for nothing can change
the permanence and must
of the sun, of its way
dissatisfied storms
rain drops on leaves
toes stinging cold
walking through fast
trying to skate
over fallen puddles
hands dangle numb
grip them tight
in dehydrating air
biting with frozen teeth
especially in a breeze
thunder can’t rattle
lightning never lights
the darkened skies
clouds to cover
and umbrellas hold
dissatisfied storms
or a bout of autumn
turning to winter
Improper Alignment
Merry Christmas, he said
walking by with a nod.
I laugh and say it back,
under snow and cloud.
That’s what it looks like…
wintertime, I mean.
The snow is falling down
but we are due soon for spring.
I often marvel at Mother Earth
and that prankster Father Time,
wondering time and time again
why they sometimes don’t align.