Today, amid falling
snow, I am certain I
feel some wrinkle in Earth’s
orbit, as it makes space
for the newest moments
of daylight. Someone will
make tea or wrap a gift
with a bow; someone will
laugh at an old joke, just
as newest light spreads out
and out. In an era
filled with fear, racism,
with hatred — or has it
always been like this? — we
might realize we require
beauty, require laughter.
Through cafe windows, I
watch children, as they dress
a snowman with a red
scarf and feathered cap. Their
giggles freckle the air.
One child gives the snowman
his own pair of horned-rimmed
glasses, which make him look
quite distinguished, as if
he may solve the problems
we worry about most.
