Winterfold

For Justin, Mark & Ivan

We walk in

Over water-creases,

Across snow-fields,

And under bowing trees

Curved with winter weight.

The hares are the only movement;

A flicker

Then a headlong dash;

Always one step

Ahead of us.

Their camouflage makes the land

Ripple

And pause;

Ripple

And pause;

As if breathing us in,

And letting us go.

Exhalation

Mixes with spindrift,

As the stars come out

One by one.