Chill

winter’s dying breath-
the winged herald of spring
arriving too late
–
morning frost-
tender lilac buds
robed in ice

a stinging backhand-
the first truly cold fall day
greets me with malice
–
grey exhaust-
white plumes
of breath

sheets of winter rain
wrung from the lowering sky
sideways in the wind
–
morning run-
frozen leaves
crack underfoot

late autumn evenings-
tarnished copper trees framing
skies of polished bronze
–
crisp air-
hunting in
the night sky

lazy curls of steam
glowing in the rays of the
slanting winter sun
–
the north wind-
warming my hands
on a hot cup of tea

as dawn approaches
the breath of autumn whispers
in the swirling leaves
–
barefoot at dawn
walking in the surf
I draw you closer