Winter’s Words

When winter pays a visit, it finds me away.

I’m always late for our dates.

It is time, and yet where am I?

Winter and I . . .

It comes and I miss it.

I know it only by its calling.

Every time it comes, it leaves a couple words,

drizzle, blame, sometimes a promise.

I learn what I can, without coming to tears.

For I have come to know a few words of winter.

(1/8/1996)