In February

Illnesses besetting Parents aging Chilled waves of anxiety buffet the shore Thunderclouds dampening soil and spirits Cellos, subdued in minor sonority play Eleanor Rigby in my mind Painted ponies gnashing at their metallic captivity In February Health returning Sandpipers scatter as we approach Collecting shells with smiling mother Children's laughter rains down on half-filled sand pails Thundering gales of glee as they test the frigid ocean Trumpets dance to the melodic riff of Good Day, Sunshine The painted ponies go up and down, 'round and 'round the brass ring again in sight In February