Clarity

I want to learn to look out warm windows

and watch the last leaves holding on

as the north wind tugs.

And when the needle completes

its final spiral

and tick

tick

ticks

the endless silent circle,

I will hear music through my eyes.

And then, when

no leaves are left

I will take

a cold, bitter sip

from my cup

and settle in

to hear

the first,

white

flake

of winter

fall.