Famously cruel, April is
          today just cold and wet.
Unable to select
          from the seasonal menu.

Frozen needles of rain
          glaze our morning path.

Our small, sturdy pup
          hurls himself ahead.
I reach for his leash
          as you totter.

Feet akimbo, hands
          in wide gyration.
I seize your arm,
          anchor you in place.

Hands quiet again, silent,
          steady.
We fall into each other’s gaze,
          Turn homeward, grateful.