our hand-dug snow fort
we dreamed would last all winter —
rain in the forecast

the weight of deep snow —
mom pausing in the doorway
after tucking me in

falling backwards
into deep drifts of snow —
angel impressions

sweeping sweet gum balls
giving the snow a clear space
to pile up on

a woman rides by —
shouts Happy Chinese New Year!
over her shoulder

we pause in a doorway
forgetting what we came for —
waning winter moon

fog over the lake —
a blue heron disappears
even as I watch

birds trying new notes
to better welcome the light —
every morning good

all we want now
is ice enough for skating  —
to push and just glide