pageant

1

the snow in minor key

drones against the dark

jet hum and shovel scrape

and rest a silent

silent

silent while.

2

the drive home

the sudden flock of crows

swirls up black against shocks of snow

the closeness of the cars

intensity of faces

pored upon the road

ah this,

this beauty is

a slippery thing.

3

across the half-cleared sidewalk

sits snow barrow

my boy called with glee a fort

couldn't keep quiet long enough to wield his

miniature shovel

all chattery and prancing

two hours later and

I feel faded to ghost

the soul seems so easily

bled on blotter drifts

that boy though

from the snowy hole

burst

this is

the best time of the year!

4

ruddy world

how can it be so delicate and cold

drawing down peace

in this let go

and emptiness

let go let

go

goodwill only

by high piles

slows you, heaping

earth's eyelids closed

heaven her watch keeping.