Spring Rain

a linked-verse sequence

bald eagle

from the ridgetop pines
a long sigh

the downtrodden snow
ready to shine

how to scratch the mountain
until it purrs

the other mountain hidden
by falling snow

to the mountain
its hiking stick

From time to time a flash of panic, as if I’ve forgotten something — but I can’t think what.

missing mountaintop
in the pit
of my stomach

acres of silence
one red squirrel

on an empty stomach
trying not to stare

the falling snowflakes
one brown leaf

the mountain cut open
by a new road

You can see farther this time of year because there’s so much less to see.

ridgetop wind
speaking in the voice
of a raven