“Have Fun…You’ll get some Morning Sun” March 14, 2023

He’s off on a

6am dog walk into

a quiet frosty 37 degrees

you can blow smoke rings

at that temperature

curse the numbing on your fingers

grind your teeth for the sting

on the edge of the ears

I’ve done it so many times

but now in retirement

he shares accepts my goodbye

as I close the door

sink with my robe into the sofa

amid the swirl of artificial heat

a facial of coffee steam

and warm pen in hand

I take my first step onto

the white blanket of paper

walk the ballpoint a little ways

look outside and stop

this morning I’m writing

a poem inside a cocoon

that is already starting

to wiggle