Footprints

Early tentative print

erased white path

of gentle motionless

grace and unfierce time

the chastened gap leafless

by simple

slow

winter's time

unburdened

swoop. swollen

hesitant midday's gravity

late swoon gleams

the silent reluctant

the eye settling

upon lifted ridge

with trickles of heaven dust

like fur on low footprints

that hides empty scent

of scavengers resting

ice sparkle and shimmer

dreams of care and pine

too early to wake

upon the desert step

but out of time to slumber late