As the river thaws
it snaps with zooming sounds
and eases up from underneath
these sudden giant footprints
open water
on a day too warm for January

another break
a moth too soon
sails over footprints flying
testing its powder wet wings
in light reflection

then the sun rolls over
on its other side to sleep
as January remembers who it is
and stomps
what’s broken open
shut

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From Unexpected Shiny Things (Cowfeather Press, 2011).
Used with permission.