A Few

light fades, the day unwinds, people

stay inside on this cold day...  a few

brave souls walk the streets, looking

to follow in the footprints of others,

seeking redemption from the weather,

laying on the ground at their feet, as

if trying to ask for forgiveness...  a

few misbegotten walk their dogs with

invisible leashes, looking over their

shoulders for the catchers who room

the street looking for law breakers...

and, those of us inside put another

log in the fire, sit back in our stuffed

chairs, reading books or pondering

the news of the day that was more

disturbing than yesterday...  a few

look for trash that has been thrown

out of cars on their way here or there

or nowhere in particular except to

throw out trash as they pass...  a few

bargain with the devil for a little

warm weather knowing it will be

several weeks before that prayer

can be answered regardless of the

bribe you want to pay with a tithe.

9 January 2023