Morning birds
worry feeders dry
under a leaden sky,
as maps forcast
in colors and numbers
the night.
Lists are made
over strong coffee.
Coat, gloves, scarf, hat;
through wide windows
sat barking dogs critiquing
my driveway sweeping;
then ignoring me
completely when we move
to backyard chores.
Check the gates,
stow the rakes,
lubricate the garage door track,
lock the shed,
prime the red blower,
start the motor
then back it into GO,
and gas up the car.
Before light leaves
the birds again feed,
braced for a hard night
puffed in evergreens,
while fat squirrels
steal away seeds
to their nest trees.
Inside: we charge cells,
review colored maps
and turn thermostats
to seventy-two.
With water jugs poured,
coffee made and
stored in hot bottles,
the dogs lay stuffed
in warm green poufs
bored asleep.
Quilts piled -in case-
and, with lanterns,
we wait to throw salts
onto an ice swept world.
January 2020
WandeRoseD 