in a cold cloud
trees and all
Author: Dave Bonta
I live in an Appalachian hollow in the Juniata watershed of central Pennsylvania, and spend a great deal of time walking in the woods. My books of poetry include FAILED STATE: HAIBUN, ICE MOUNTAIN: AN ELEGY, BREAKDOWN: BANJO POEMS, and ODES TO TOOLS.
Coyote Winter
When I stand up, I see the large coyote that’s been watching me—who knows for how long—from 50 feet away.
sunset moon
the downtrodden snow
ready to shine
long winter
shadows
of witness trees
Heart-Shaped Hole
Over the past year since St. Valentine betrayed me, I’ve shed four stone walking it off.
moonlight
on my bed
winter dreams
February wind
how to scratch the mountain
until it purrs
Vagabond
If I were a tree, head-down in the earth, I’d stretch one toe into the clouds.
melting through
the heritage
of snow fleas
back from a walk
finding a clump of snow
in my coat pocket
creaking limbs
shrink-wrapped in ice
my evergreen
February thaw
blood on the road resuming
its slow journey
