Preparing For Winter

The meadow is a ghostly quiet in late fall Chirping birds flitting about have gone south Queen Anne’s Lace and Phloxes are folding Smaller creatures seek refuge in their burrow While a cloudy sky offers not a hint of shine I am preparing for winter, too, thoroughly Even when I am too chilly, my brain scolding With hints of streamy breath from my mouth I, like the critters, prepare for winter’s call. written November 4, 2021