dark patio stones

where the snow melted first —

cardinals passing time

New Year’s dumplings —

overhead someone stirs

a skyful of stars

flirting with themselves

while skimming the horizon —

geese above the lake

they come

when there is no stopping them —

tears and protestors

late January —

awash with hope for birdsong

I forget my name

wind through bare branches —

my eye traces the line of you

as you turn to go

different this time —

straight friends ask where they can buy

a rainbow flag

deer in the field

lifting their heads until

the train whistle fades

in the end

my letters to her come back —

embers in the ash