bridge

Skillful Play

they know to slow and cross single file
then resume full tilt running
on the other side

this heavy snow
is just the other side
of rain

the falling snow
like tinsel
on the evergreen

linger on
waterfall bridge
where time is suspended

the bridge
the rock wall
the landscape itself

who will be
the first winter traveler
to cross the still running brook?

mighty angular pine
diminutive curved bridge
a companionship of counterparts

nearly tall enough
to be topped by
a real star

outlined as it is obscured
all the same
the bridge remains

at the bridge
quaker ladies rally
sojourn to the spring woods

peacefulness travels
the snow covered bridge
welcome it home

heart of the garden
hydrangea’s beauty bridges
summer to autumn

From the sanctuary of the woods animals watch
the metal bridge that carries man and his many parcels and purpose
to the other side and back again.

Two planks
for two feet
to take two steps
and cross into
the welcoming woods.

Morning light reveals
hooves crossing the bridge from the forest into the yard
during the quiet of the night.

The span links neighbor to neighbor,
above the river, across state lines.
Community knows no jurisdiction.