12.28

nine round bodies

stark black on bare

branches against

a blazing blue

winter sky

cardinals, as they

turn profile, plump

against the fringe

of snow, wind and

chill.

they huddle and

keep each other

company, nestling

to one another as

in consolation.

we all nest in caves

and branches of our

device, hoping for

others to share

our desperation.