Outside in

Ice limns the limbs
of the hawethorn tree outside -
inside, chocolate steams in the cup.
 

The door pushes open
and in comes the crowd,
laughing about carbohydrates.

It would take digging, not coins
to unhide the ones snuggled
in the roots of a winter-neutral tree.

Oh sweets, oh sticky budburst, oh
blossoms, oh pollen, oh honey!
But that will have to wait.

For now, stir the pot, raid the
truffle sample, sniff the scent
of tea as it brews.

Outside the window, en glacé,
winter broods, making plans for
flower and fruit confections. You'll see.

news from a small town 6, February 2013