inspired by a photograph by Mary Freeman  

within windows

fogged and frozen

behind etherial curtains

rime can be traced

against fragile glass  

like snail trails along a forest path

or fissures in a heart scarred by time

and circumstance  

light from an oil lamp

throws spectral amber shadows on the wall

fire

kindled or banked

in the belly of a blackened stove

warms hands

and feet encased in two pairs of thick grey socks

bundled into down gifted by geese

snow crunching under boots

braving the frigid air

like a daft Pillsbury dough boy

arms akimbo

running in an enchanted topple

arms outstretched

etching angels  in the frosty landscape

sacred bunko artist

with scrupulous motives

 finally seeking asylum

near the fire

in the company of a cat curled into the indentation

of a backside

imprinted in the cushion of a chair

 Copyright © Sharon Elliott. All Rights Reserved.