SURPRISES

"Snow in the Bronx", oil,
by Kay Crain

(about Jimmy H., age 86, after a sudden snowfall)

The snow surprised him

just like so much

surprises him.

He always looks like

something strange is being born

before his very eyes.

Just ice in a glass

makes him

stop and stare,

and a single leaf

fluttering by the window

works magic on him.

He says he broke boredom

into pieces

about 80 years ago.

He says he likes yes

way better than no,

and never stops

being stunned

by how flames wave

in the fireplace.