the ant returns
after being flicked . . .
autumn loneliness

mild december — 
walking acorns
into the earth

deep autumn
the gleam of his wedding band
as he tends the fire

beach to ourselves
a dusting of snow
on the driftwood

New Year’s resolution
the fresh snow
already melting

soft light
we mound leaves
around the sapling

December dusk — 
ink spilled on
a white canvas

bedtime
my children pray
for snow

red mittens
her laughter ahead
of the snowball

winter morning — 
a roof beam swings
in the blue