the absolution
of snow
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.
written in snow
the epic journey
of a mouse
ground and sky white
whichever way the nuthatch turns
snowfall
making sure nobody sees
my dancing
tea time
the winter sun strained
through bare branches
coyote
whose woods these are
while we sleep
cold moon
a comforter of snow
for Dad’s grave
back among familiar trees
my shadow
stretches out
departures lounge
a beggar’s friendliness worth
every penny
old subduction zone
the wren sings down
another stream
unseasonably warm
a woodpecker’s
urgent knocks
siren
in the bare sycamores
evening sun
