Winter Dread
By Tatiana Pahlen

When days are shorter, nights are long,
my heart starts sinking, mind is worn,
clocks like drums, beat after beat,
troubling my temples with an iron tick.
The dire howl drags me out of bed,
I stare at the window, the streets are dead;
a full moon spots a lonely corpse
it’s the stray dog, I fed and nursed.
My old true pal won't live a day
to see sunlight or chase the hares
off trodden paths, we traveled in the fall,
collecting dry leaves to cheer our souls.
I'm dazed to lose my stubborn friend
His pride was making him rebel
from dwelling with joy under my roof,
He chose to latch on till the end, aloof.
I put him to rest near a much loved tree
he'd lie next to and lick at his fleas.
My heart is sinking, mind is worn,
all days are shorter, all nights are long.

February 7, 2002

Copyright © 2002 Tatianyc. All Rights Reserved.