Deep forest tracks made in wet mud

rain newly fallen turned into ice patches

as Jack Frost snoozed, blowing kisses

into the air, misty cold zzzzzz's

planting themselves here and there,

carriage skidding from time to time,

maintaining direction, motion, and speed,

compensating for the occasional slip,

clip, clop, clip, clop,

iron shoes tapping on the brick

in unison with the heartbeat

racing with excitement

as the smoke from the chimney

rises in the distance,

promising warmth and sanctuary

from the coming winter storm.