Meditation: March 7

by Daniel Lusk

Where the pond will rise
as deep snow ebbs
slow–wise,
brilliant light on oak and hemlock
shadows fading paw prints.

I could read some scripture,
find my keys,
or earn a tracking merit badge
by this religious light.

My gaze is lifted
to the crown of rock
above our house, to head and horns,
to the granite hand that cradles
this late winter moon.

Bear sleeps, woodchuck, birch,
their slow, benign sleep.
I am here with ermine,
coyote, fisher, owl,
swift, sharp–eyed, rapacious.