Happiness – Page 13

slices of the moon
slivered through the window blinds
drape across your back
–
snowy owl-
cold branches
in the dead of night

sawdust on the floor-
the earthy aroma of
horse manure and hay
–
a saddle blanket-
riding bareback
in the tall grass

leaning back eyes closed
listening to the whitecaps
as they roll on shore
–
salt spray-
roaring wind
in my ears

fingers intertwined
your slippered feet atop mine
before the fire
–
two dozen years-
still waking up
next to you

barnacles gather
just below the waterline
where the piers once stood
–
rotting pilings-
waves, the echoes
of children’s laughter

any hope of sleep
spurned by the approaching dawn
and a snoring dog
–
sleeping dogs-
the violent death
of a cardboard box

hot rising embers
intermingle with the stars
as they float away
–
cracking fire-
oak and maple
turning to ash

white breath and mittens-
on the pond shaved ice gathers
the sounds of laughter
–
heavy blankets-
the sound
of falling snow

in my father’s chair
still unprepared to carry
this heavy burden
–
fallen acorns-
my little feet
in your shoes

over chips and drinks
the sounds of friendship filter
through my old screen door
–
dark windows-
piles of chips
shufflled cards