Fri Oct 29 2004

In the Courtyard.

Slowly she drifted across my window.
I saw her.
In the courtyard, a feather,
A speck of snow,
A drop on the twigs of the
Leafless lonely tree.
I watched her.
Through one of the hundred windows
That opened into the courtyard.
I sat with my tea,
By the fireplace.
The smoke should be rising
Through the chimney.
Nice, to be warm
In the cold.
Poor she.
Out in the cold.
I watched her.
Light, resting 
On the blades of grass.
Soft, like the fingers
Of rain.
Cold, like the gazes
On her.
Then I saw me.
Out there, and cold.
I saw me watching her.
No chimney, no fireplace
Or the warm cup that held my hand.
I saw me, out there,
And cold.

I stood up.
Closed the window.
It dragged in 
The last puff of chill,
And a still moment 
Of empty quiet...

I opened the door
And stepped out 
Into the Courtyard.