Frost

Caviar clumps of 
Blueberries fell, catching fire,
Streaks of sunshine
In an ice storm on a
 
January morning 
As the frozen needles
Torpedoed
Optimistic grass.    

Cluster squirrels,
Squads of hopeful 
Nut platoons 
Held hourly meetings at the 
Foot of oaks that 
Grunted with the waiting 
And the watching and the war.  

Cold snatched late spring
Growing pains with 
Sunfish hands, speed and sorrow 
Mixed.

Cold collared grand still oaks
A death grip chopping
Wood from limb to limb
A heavy falter step.