the winter’s neutrals

the pale landscape lies flattened

a cardinal flash

snowfall’s sacred hush

my breath slows to not intrude 

summoned to union

snow embraces trees

pastry frosting laid atop …

sudden release—plop

the failing sun

summer’s grasp fading away

warmth in its slow wane

the wearied leaves that fall

still green, fluttering

Miss  their fire-y time

The late summer pause

the green, now faded and worn

the spasm of color

the dead tree reborn

Each barren branch, now a perch

To spy on stream fish

september to june

timed by the daily bus tide …

grand babe on the way

disordered debris 

ragged, jagged leaf carpet

a promise beneath

deep heart of the tree

sacrificed into bright flame

Ascends as incense