SOLITARY STAR

Solitary star

is it cold up

where you are?

Through bare and brittle

winter branches

I can see you

sparkling clear,

shining your brightest

just before

you disappear.

The rooster is

softly crowing

in the barnyard,

a sleepy sound,

reluctant in the chill.

My wolf-dog pads,

silent and old,

beside me.

The day is coming

when he no more will.

Nine white swans

in formation

now come gliding

almost noiselessly

winging overhead.

Noses pointed west,

they're heading towards

the water.

Nine swans,

and yet they

mate for life

it's said.

Now daybreak crests

the silver-peaked mountains,

lighting the frozen rooftops

etched in ice.

Tall cedars turn

from black and

towering giants

to green again,

their beauty

beyond price.

I breathe the essence

of this winter morning,

wood-smoke on the air

as starshine fades.

My windows are lit up

and, warm and waiting,

is the cozyness

of this little home

I've made.

I feel the blessing

rich with

all life's worth,

just to have

another day

like this

alive

on Planet Earth.

I wrote this poem in 2010, in winter, when I was still living in my little trailer - Pup's kingdom. I loved that little place and this poem came to me while I was walking Pup along the road, looking in at the glowing windows, happy with our little home, but very aware that soon he would no longer be walking beside me. Sigh.