while we wait

silence has gathered its tethered hush
over the abandoned  wilderness
not yet frozen, a trickle of current
conveys the sparkle of december sunlight
from east to west, twisting  north to south
the riverbed path  wanders in a zig-zag
of meditation through the forest
the moss and pine needles dressed
in winter's robe, harsh and  beautiful
a slight breeze spins the spirits of other seasons
like the mist of human breath expressing regret
it tickles naked branches that reach toward an eternity
within the silent  memories of generations
praising  wisdom and promise...
after sunset's ethereal embers melt
into darkness, night falls in laziness from the sun's sleep
and cascaded in the moon's silver hues
a cold blanket of snow catches  motionless shadows ---
time, like the ageless river flowing hither
and yon, casts a glow of destiny towards
the horizon of mankind's tomorrow 


while we wait
[2011.8.2...a]