Movement of Air

This morning it is best to be ready 
for the movement of air – to have 
a good warm sweater and a sturdy coat. 
And mittens. This morning the movement of air is 
not-so-obviously-my-friend. 

But "not-so-obvious" isn’t "not-at-all", 
as a blue fringe of eastern horizon 
(that was not there 'til air stirred it and moved it) 
inches up morning sky. 

Winds trudge across great lake, 
airy aqueduct for summer gardens, 
sky avalanche to blanket winter fields, 
breeze to sweat-soaked faces 
in hot sun. 

Still, November: the unkind wind shakes branches, 
drives rain-sleet-snow into faces,
strips off leafy jackets from the trees...
We shiver and seek warmth. 

November: it’s important 
(or in February blizzard) to recall 
that where no air moves, nothing lives – 
no breathing baby, neighbour, lover, friend, 
no blossoms, buds, or bowers 
nuzzling horse, 
lounging dog, 
purring cat, 
just grey dense unseen stillness without pulse. 

In the morning, it is best to be ready 
for the movement of air, 
with mittens, etcetera, 
and also with a glad and thankful heart 
for winds the World depends on 
to make itself each day.

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