Garland

In the winter night
When the stars are endless
And your breath sighs white

Somewhere there’s a fire in a hearth
And a cutting board and apple
And a table being set

Outside of this
Maybe a fox behind you in the trees
And a frozen twig that breaks like glass

Beneath your lonely feet
The path is narrow
And the pine is always green

Before you go
Gather garlands of silence
And carry them home

Each time you take to the woods
A tribute to the winter night
You walked alone.