Before the last Frost

pulled on a string
geese follow the leader
skimming thin ice

inspecting the melting snow
a lone crow in sunshine

he walks away
in an angry huff
one glance back

in every action
his father revealed

winter's end
as always the moon
will remain

waiting for spring rain
earth's colors pure again

sun in my eyes
her beauty resides
in memory

I remember the day
the neighbor girl moved away

an open window
old women gossip
across the fence

sanctuary city
more latinos everyday

summer was
our busiest season
rusting tools

here comes the ice cream truck
no change in my pocket

new president
the scenery remains
the same

every fallen leaf
memories of better days

yellow moon
old photographs of
harvest festival

autumn twilight
warm light belies the chill

panhandler
I'd just as soon be
a pauper poet

the azaleas bloom
before the last frost

watercolors
spring rain at
sunset

open the window
let some fresh air in



William Sorlien
March 16, 2009