Silent night

So relieved to be on "winter" break from school finally...I've been in my sweats (see my reflection in the ornament for proof) and on the couch since 3:47 p.m., soaking in the peace that comes with a clean, sparkly house, all gifts wrapped and ready, talk of flurries on the late news, and time to just be still and warm...

sleet against the windowpane,

or maybe a mouse in the wall...

I listen...

but silence knows no direction

outside,

heavy pine boughs,

deep in the woods

so quiet, so still

a deer steps

inside, warm,

the sound of a cat's paw

disturbs very little

as it hunts in a dream

silent as sleet

"Silent Solstice (Winter Becomes Maine)" by Denis Dunn