A Winter's Afternoon

Annette Kalandros

January 24

Image is my own

 
 
The mountains draw their shawls of clouds 
'bout their shoulders to ward off the damp chill, 
humming as if about to settle down 
into rocking chairs before a fire 
and knitting away this afternoon of winter 
as they chat about the doings  
of their children, grandchildren, 
and their neighbors to the west. 
 
Perhaps, this is why-- 
the birds flit and chirp 
singing songs of spring 
as they nibble at the suet cakes 
you've left for them.