Winter Sun

1.

We prayed for this, didn’t we?

Days and days and days

of darkness dampened us

and we lay limp,

our blackwatch plaid flannel

covered with dog hair.

Praying.

2.

Thank God

I didn’t have to tell him how long I’ve been sober

because I know what he’d think: Why

aren’t you better?  Why

aren’t you well?

3.

Finally outside

we pick paper from the crotch of a fallen branch,

shovel old news burst from its plastic tubing,

and consider how little is left

of fresh or green.