ice storm—
tip-toeing down Main
limbs tremble above

ice storm—
tip-toeing down Main
limbs tremble overhead
 

warm nights
on the old wooden dock
calm starry water

warm night
on the old wooden dock
calm starry water

blanket
of white cold chill
hot chocolate

cuddling with Mom
three of us curled up
under the quilt

family tea
talk of past and future
family love constant

little girls
lace dresses
muddy knees

sit in
on this conversation
two feet on the ground

cold nose
paw prints
puddles on the drive

a bent cigarette
hangs from the lips
of a stressed mother

mom awake before all
favorite cereal
next to empty bowls and spoons

the log cabin
late-night secrets
Granny shushing kids

Hackettstown
in that chill pool
relief

layers on top of layers
lips white and cracked
and my ball in my hands

Sunday dinner
paper plates
gourmet meal

another recess lost
classmates have fun
I write sentences

orchid hanging purple
pulled it out
look grandma

In bed
Sister talk
As the movie plays

she packs the snow tight
then lets out a warning cry
my is cheek now wet

Storms approach
Large drops smack the deck
Rain delay on the tube

swimming in the pond
and heat lightning
all night

I bundle up like crazy,
then step outside
and dash to the next building

sideways glance
gentle smile
electricity

a moonlit path
guides a couple
on a lakeside tour

clank clank
my heels on the brick
giggling together

her breath dances
playfully
in the cold air