The late-October wind carries a
cedary scent of woodsmoke tonight.
I pause to breathe it in.
Something is coming.
A cold truth clings to the darkness,
leaves shiver brittlely
across the unlit landscape.
There are things to do,
and not as much time.
But time enough to wonder.
These are not my woods,
though I want to know them.
I want to know what lives here,
and what is coming.
I search for a column of smoke
among the trees but see only
my breath, turning to mist
on impact. I’ve lived several lives
already, and have this one left. I go on,
grateful: They say we “gain” an hour
on Sunday. And this year, I’m going
to be here when it happens.
This year, I want to witness the old man
working his trick under cover of darkness,
and savor the gift of an hour gained
– even if it be a false hour,
even knowing the trickster will return
in spring, as we’re sleeping, to take it back.
Here and gone, breath on glass.
First published in the winter 2023 issue of Third Wednesday
