Delayed

Happy Birthday Mom...I miss you.


I sit inside waiting for the plow to come and clean the snow
from the road outside my home,
this place of rest and comfort for many.

The drive is shoveled,

and my truck is warm with the heater on.
I drink two cups of coffee, walk the dog, and eat some pie.

Outside in the tall green pines

against a dark blue sky snow hangs like white pillows
waiting for the sun to melt and drift quietly below.

As I sit here waiting

I notice that the wooden bird feeder has no seed
or any birds adding color at its little ledge

I put my boots and coat back on

to go provide some needed food
for my wild migrant friends.

Delaying my departure is unavoidable

as the road outside still waits
for the plow man’s blade of steel.

Snuggled warm against my skin my boots fill with snow.

With seed and suet I make my rounds
as feathered creatures start to show.

Then I see the many colored hues,

as sparrows feed upon the ground,
red cardinals, and blue jays flutter

As my time to depart begins to pass,

I now know the reason for my delay as
woodpeckers tap out a tune, and snow still fills the sky

For if the world’s stark coldness I cannot amend,

a moment while delayed was spent
caring for my friends.

And most important, brightening up my view.

Robert

2015