Deep forest tracks made in wet mud
rain newly fallen turned into ice patches
as Jack Frost snoozed, blowing kisses
into the air, misty cold zzzzzz’s
planting themselves here and there,
carriage skidding from time to time,
maintaining direction, motion, and speed,
compensating for the occasional slip,
clip, clop, clip, clop,
iron shoes tapping on the brick
in unison with the heartbeat
racing with excitement
as the smoke from the chimney
rises in the distance,
promising warmth and sanctuary
from the coming winter storm.
