Trading off

When I can sit by myself in early morning, there is something about a cup of warm coffee in my hands, and the vista out back, which invites contemplation.  

We trade off

Taking the young woman

Early

To school.

If I am awake enough

On my mornings,

When I return

I sit with coffee

Warm in my hands,

Watch the day lighten.

I think through

What must be done.

I consider

What really

Isn*t necessary.

The snow palette lies before me:

Shades of white.

The branches on the bushes

Next to the garage

Hold clumps

Of white wet snow

So many cotton bolls.

I consider the silence,

Watch the day grow lighter.

I think through

What must be done,

What might be done

Come spring.          

My hands,

Warm on the coffee cup,

Consider what may be dropped

When the earth goes green

Again.