COLD WEATHER FRIENDS
The juncos are back.
It feels like winter.
They’re sheltering in
The bushy blue spruce
Where finches have nested
In balmier weather.
They won’t fly south
In retreat from the cold
But keep on the move
Seeking out seeds
In sizable flocks
Giving us hope
Bringing us cheer
For another new year.
ECLIPSE MOMENT
(A Sonnet for Mark and Sarah)
We watched the moon consume the sun,
Its ebony circle slowly dim
The light, but darkness did not come
Until the black blot reached the rim
Where only a halo of shine leaked out
And pale pink bled on every horizon.
It was then we felt the fearsome clout
Of nothingness to put our eyes on:
No crickets chirped, the birds were still.
All energy, spirit seemed to leave us.
Our batteries were drained of will
Luna, moon goddess, of life bereaved us.
How we all cheered when light returned.
The sun our gratitude had earned.