that it’s seeping through

the gaps in my earbuds,

the rattling of tree tops

now distorted like freight

trains passing by

.

the cusp of s p r i n g

pushing back on the chilling

bite of winter.

fighting

for the budding branches

& the healthier grass

& the warmth of people

sitting on benches

.

in the midst of isolation

& fear,

she consoles us with

abundant presence

.

people with nothing else to do

but trudge through the gusts

that blow their dogs’

gait aslant

.

the only certainty

(5/29/20)