Another COVID Milestone

quarantine closures
plus trapped-home anxiety
delayed this moment

yet, the smile wins
a year later, we made it
(a taste of freedom)

Ready, Set, Rise

winter sunrise strokes
as soft as with a paintbrush
with red glow on snow

power lines define
the hidden energy here
ready to rise up

a long-shadowed pup
feels tall in the morning light
ready for the day

only two days late
the snow has taken over
(Lord, save us from drought)

aspen-lined gold runs
are what make Steamboat special
(we'll always be back)

a weekend with him
after all these years in love
sweet as fresh powder

a hellish week (year)
but we are nearing the end
and it’s so damn sweet

vaccine Valentine 
does love get any better
than this science?

i am not here now
forever staring at screens.
i am here. on skis.

The last run.

i’ll grasp this aspen 
framed by its own starry night
when i need some peace

an exhausting day
with my spirit-week “jersey”
and this fake smile

hidden by these masks
that have broken our world
like a rootless orchid

but this cat. this cat.
a soft purrfection presence 
worth a real grin.

i'll write a haiku
as easy as this damn day
filled with lines. and love.

you will never know
how hard i've tried to earn this.
you can taste the snow.

you can taste blue sky.
it comes in moments, this love.
moments found on slopes.