Wrestling an Angel, Poem

just at the edge
there is a flutter
a ripple on water

a brief taste from a mitten of snow
no sound but wind’s twilight
and then suddenly         ravens

stop the sound of the distant temple bell

slate wind gathers from the north
brilliant white gallops across Galisteo Basin
winter’s swirl dizzying

bring it closer
this call I strain to hear
or is it already here in my pocket

or is it the cello leaning
against the music cabinet
a string plucked for the empty room

what else is held at a distance?

bees cluster deep in winter’s hive
shiver and flutter to generate warmth
concentric circles rotate