Long Day Closing
The cloud curtain lifted
The western horizon revealed
Hues of pink and orange
The snow that threatened all day
Fell away from its hem
Blurring the edges of sky and shroud
The wind flicked gently again
Our hair set to dancing
Our cheeks feeling the bite
Cold, ice laden air
The last embers of the leaf pile
Flickered to dark
Left smouldering ‘neath our buckets
Our eyes met and smiled
Tired smiles
Work well done
Rest soon deserved
We gathered our rakes
And buckets and sauntered off
Up the long yard
The houselights a beacon in the dusk
My hand found yours
Fingers laced together
A squeeze
Then another and then again
Your response the same
Simple words
Simple gestures
Glances stolen
Smiles thought secret shared
Gentle chuckles
Then giggles bubbled forth
As one the tools fell away
Turning we wrapped bodies in arms
The first flake found your nose
My lips found yours
Your cheeks cold against mine
“It’s too cold for this.”
“Maybe so, but it’s fun.”
“Is there some place warmer?”
“We could make it warmer.”
“Then let’s go where we have a head start.”
“A fire?”
“After. First a shower.”
“Race you.”
“No, it’s too late for that,
“Walk with me.”
Together we turned
Resumed the walk
On the porch
Cold thick fingers found zippers
You led in the door
Hoodie thrown on a chair back
Shirt hem lifted
Torso bared
“What are waiting for?”
You asked as I watched
“Now I’ll race you.”
A blur of skin and bra
Your shirt tossed at my face
Your footsteps echoing up the stairs