December Mist

Leaves blown
against street lamps-
alight there
and then
away...
long shadows
reach
for you
and fog wraps
enfolding
the friendly maple
not so...
time to go
A human soul
with a dead,
bleeding
heart
that stands
apart -
beats only
for the pain
in that
slippery,
familiar lane-
birds call,
squirrels play
but not on
this day...
Go home,
little one
to whatever
awaits...
December mist
never kissed
a child
so frightened
and alone
as you...