A Poem For Monday

A Brief Season

.

I follow him unwillingly

beyond the stillness of the house

feet bare against cool steps

and scraggled weeds, I

pace myself

to lengthen the distance

through a yard cold and dreamless

shadowed by ancient oaks

and somber moss

and jays attending their territory

.

my eyes rise to brightness

slicing through dark keyhole gaps

amidst rigid leaves

searching for warmth

and a defined sun

within that cold smear of light

.

and, finding none, I

pace myself to shorten the distance

between this brief winter

and the warmth of him

.

Cynthia Ann Conciatu

1997 Theodore Lindgren Memorial Award

Florida State Poets Association