Edging like Boo Radley behind the Curtains

Getting into the darker months,
darker months of the year
Systems lie down a little
The old need to hibernate
Return to the fetal theatre, thrilling
and stupefying      If we are not careful,
drive off the road, brake too hard on ice,
spin out and die in a ditch

Carefully attend concerts
of local string ensembles,
a little Vivaldi or flute concertos by Bach
Violins in churches

Line up early for parades, close enough to touch
high-steppers and Shriners
In the old restaurants on Main Street
you can smell liver and onions for $5.95,
dessert included [green Jello or rice pudding]
Waitresses are pudgy but pleasant,
whether they want to be or not

Dark before dinner, candles
come out of dust and are set afire
with barbeque lighters, click click
Egg cartons tossed into fireplace
with twigs and slabs of kiln-dried maple
for kindling      It is one of the darker times
and we wonder whether shaving is worth it

Drawing curtains against the cold

Barry Butson

Email: Barry Butson

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