In anticipation

manifestation of long-held wishesbuying a new calendarwriting a new future loneliness aches - winter desolationgives way to overdressed friendssinging at your doorstep fairies hide under pine needles - play softdon't hurt; don't disappoint bytrimming a Christmas tree 24 Seasons Syllabic Poetry Challenge

Wintry nights

pesky mosquitoes devourprecious balcony momentsreluctant puppies brought inearly winter dusk warm broth to gladden tummiesspooned over in bowls of lovesnuggled in our laps, they growlchilly north winds blow beds and quilts ready for nightcushions to play till sleep strikeslove overpowers tired boneswarmth around the hearth Tanka Tuesday