Rolling socks into bundles
she sees the neighbor
walk sore backed to his car
idling in reluctance
her fingers are stiff and crepe in this unforgiving light
no where to play at wonder or disguise truths
they lie like still catkins on shivered branch
betraying her hope for more time
as leaves first crunch underfoot
grow soft and willing
melding with breathing earth
returned and reborn
as all of us
seek more of ourselves
in that quick pique
punishing the daydream