clear snow of New Hampshire

the true beauty of winter

rustic building incased

in ice

snow fluffed upon the

rooftop

sweet silver river

       touched by

men with small sailing

craft upon it

narrow streets

small walkways

water dripping from

the freshly melted

snow

trickling down the

sides of buildings

meeting friendly people

bellows of warm

breath coming from our

mouths and noses

rushing into the warmth

of a “dunkin donuts”

shop to indulge ourselves

in heat and hot coffee.

                II

Leaving, as the shadow

of a winter dusk swallows

the noon sun

the darkness arrived

as we enter a small

well built chapel

and filled ourselves

with hot fried chicken

buttery biscuits and

warm conversation.

1988