Trees’ long dreams 
Ripple toward sunshine
As summer children 
Chirp and hop -
Pert squirrels
Chattering joy,
Scattering joy,
Down the path
To Grant’s tree.
Bearded like him
But ancient when he
Was a babe, 
Its thoughts linger - 
Like his -
Upon shadows
Deep-drifted
And upon snow,
Healing snow.
                        

Breeze off morning rapids
Is a greeting - 
Trailing scents of pine, of lupine,
Of sweet wood-smoke -
But its first touch 
Is a blue blade
Pulled by dawn 
From its sheath of
Ice.
                        

Cloud fingers, 
Swift as serpents,
Steal stars
From night’s silk pockets.
Snowflakes riding wind sprites,
Flirt with pine needles,
Whisper promises of nights entwined,
Of embraces lingering
Until spring.