December 21

Sunlight—hushed as farm straw—illuminates Russian novels

like the passage of Newgrange. The library bag is full and 

slouching against the doorframe. In the snow crunch,

Onéguine fires a pistol, woos a lover. Pushkin has died in a duel.

Light compresses. Remains of a plant, fossilized. Diagram

angiosperm in high school biology class—deduct

one point: forget to label the date. 

Light the blue candle. Drink red wine. 

Tasting notes include Christmas cake & bramble.

The oak is well-integrated. The sun moves into Capricorn.

Remember the last poem to inspire your quietude.

A cat comes in from the cold.

Emily Bulicz-Arnelien