first snow
a drift of cattle
against the fenceline

the cat and I
walk together
all the fallen leaves

woodstove’s glow
the scent of oranges
studded with cloves

waxwings
exchange rose hips
Christmas morning

a red flush
on the amaryllis bud
New Year’s Eve

falling leaves —
a street person
adjusts her bundles

echo of an axe —
wood smoke holds
in the hollow

letting out the dog
in the chill of dawn
the drifting stars

along the railing
hollows in the snow
where sparrows sat

early morning snow
the janitor shaves
at a barbershop sink