Bending arc of the sun in southerly decline
beyond the frozen garden
over the slender curve of the earth
while I hold my winter breath –
still upon still in the morning sunlight.

Birds and squirrels come to the fountain
looking for water in deep ice.
I’ll put out a pail of warm water,
change it before it freezes hard –
soon the sun will spring bring again.

Portland, Oregon – January 6, 2017 – Feast of the Epiphany