"When Dogs Bask in the Heater's Warmth"

 

WHEN DOGS BASK IN THE HEATER'S WARMTH

 

When dogs bask in the heater's warmth

And sleet comes clawing at the screen

And all the rattling autumn trees

Are shaved by winter's razor keen,

Then cats in hunger

Scratch and mew

While Mother stirs the steaming stew.

 

When ground is frozen hard and fast,

And window panes are glazed with frost,

And black phone wires whine with wind

And flying flocks are seen, and lost,

Then doves in dovecotes

Purl and coo

While Mother stirs the steaming stew.

 

When chickens roost at five o'clock

And wooly caps are worn to school,

The sidewalk is an icy path

And blankets are the nightly rule,

Then owls go calling

Full of rue

While Mother stirs the steaming stew.

 

--Persona, 1984