Berthoud Pass driving
sisters learn two years apart
same day, different face


Berthoud Pass driving
sisters learn two years apart
same day, different face
snow like stardust
sparkling in morning light
to begin our day
a solo ski start
best way to begin a year
powderful hope
2020 ends
in the same way it began
(with downhill skiing)
2020 ends
nearly every way different
than a year ago
2020 brings
a balance of sorrow, joy
hidden behind masks
2020 ends
with screens controlling our lives
(searching for meaning)
2021
with its 5-syllable self
will bring us new hope
a cold winter walk
along the Colorado
right where it begins
a hot springs retreat
to strip the cold off our skins,
bring heat to our bones
ice-cold Tuesday night
(ice skating on a weeknight?)
icing on the cake
we must stay outside
we must wear masks, be cautious
we must learn to live
all out of the house?
all the teens out together?
all the miracles
the boy taught himself
the boy had never skated
my boy taught himself
almost all love skis
and that’s enough for today
that, and fresh powder
some rough beginnings
can end in the perfect way
for a perfect day
Almost a year ago, we invited this boy home for Christmas because he was living in a youth shelter.
We brought him downtown to see this beautiful tree.
And what a year it has been. Challenging in more ways than we ever thought imaginable, and all of us adjusting to this new life of having a brother and a son in the midst of a pandemic.
Here we are, standing under these same lights. And aren’t they still beautiful?
walking history
in one of the oldest ‘hoods
same heartbreak, some hope