i rise to let the cat outside
it had been calling out
and in my sleep
i heard it
the sky is pale
the air frigid
the cat and i pause
for a moment
we each witness
the stillness

porch boards with frost
small animal prints
here and there

trees moan in wind
sun casts a rigid shadow

birds to the feeder
swooping down
in some pattern
i do not yet
understand 

two butterflies
dance
fluttering 
madness
joy

the dryer tumbles
rhythmically
the day turns over from
night
crows caw

tidal waters
rock
tidal waters
no rock

the nights are cool
and soon
more blankets on the bed

you and i
i have learned
this life
and dreams