Frozen in Place......

Clear windowpanes are gradually frosting,
weaving graceful designs like the web of a spider.
Intricate lines wiggling in all directions,
decorating the windows like cinnamon in cider.

Kitties are buried under crocheted blankets,
while puppies snuggle under covers in bed.
Squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, and coyote,
are all in hiding waiting in dread.

Fireplace sputters and crackles its tune,
heat is cranking, hardly shutting down.
More firewood needed to keep fire stoked,
outside no more green, everything is brown.

Sleeping patiently awaiting spring thaw,
trees hardly move as if frozen in place.
Bird feeders are filled with new bought seed,
yet, not one single bird to the trees grace.

New weather stripping, taped the back door,
replaced those windows with broken glass.
First light of day brings a prism of colors,
red, blue, green, yellow, an odd color of brass.

Ice becomes droplets crooked and jagged,
streaming into each other on a downward slide.
With finger on window trying to trace the steps,
all the way to the bottom until away they glide.

Finally a bird appearing tired and forlorn,
trying to peck for food through the grass.
Kitties are chattering, puppies wildly barking,
so much activity on both sides of the glass.

Hopping around from spot to spot,
searching for grubs and worms to devour.
A gourmet delight the bird finally does see,
filled with gourmet seeds fresh not sour.

Up on the phone wire more birds appear,
quietly lining up, huddling in a row.
Soon they swoop down to take their turn,
Doves on the ground, all putting on a show.

Written by:
Karen Palumbo
Photography by:
Robert Palumbo
1/7/2010 © All rights reserved