Winter Sequence

Winter Sequence

                1

I saw nine deer on a hillside,

as if in a still-life painting,

move as if a murmuration

of starlings.

                2

One bird the day before,

two yesterday on roads

 I drive regularly.

A change is coming.

             3

I drive on tire tracks 

in the snow on the road

that takes me home

as if the snowplow can do nothing.

             4

The tracks in the snow

before my porch. . . 

deer, coyote, feral cat

nighttime visits.

             5

I am in the dark waiting

for sunrise.  A daily ritual.

It’s taken the place of prayer –

an answer always comes.

            6

I wish I could read the tracks

across my heart as easily

as the tracks in the snow –

winter’s gift.

             7

I am seeing ghosts almost

as easily as I see shadows.

One often blending into 

the other – dreams, memories, desires.

               8

I consider the best way

to keep warm in winter.

My heart scoffs, says,

“Don’t forget me."

-Byron Hoot

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