midwinter predawn

left reveries complaisant

to good roof and fire

in like a lion

(promises, promises, promises)

out like a lion

the bellows of spring

set to these smoldering hearts

an uneven glow

a moment is may

suddenly here it is there

then there it is gone

spring and spring gone by

june an invention of mine

knows me and doesn’t

stormy night expired

july a fitful early dawn

stealing breath once more

neglectful august

of verdant emerald came

and left peridot

inevitably

a cold embrace and summer

a measured promise

mongrel october

up down round and round you go

and catch not your tail

to hearth we gather

set out these existing things

facing those unknown

freshly fallen snow

a slippery illusion

of trails unbroken