Winter Anticipation
by Elayne Clift
The night wind had blown in a dusting of fresh snow,
A harbinger of days to come. Out came the boots,
Scarves, and gloves in anticipation of the daily jaunt to the mailbox,
The only outing for many rural residents of a certain age in winter.
What would the mailbox bring when its door opened?
Perhaps a love letter of sorts, a small gift of appreciation,
A photograph or a Thinking of You card from a long-lost friend.
Would there be a sorrowful note that meant a sad meander home?
The familiar old tree that keeps watch over the mailbox,
And its owner, along with the vast landscape and gray sky,
has shed its coat of many colors, its naked branches shivering,
While waiting for spring, and happiness when the mailbox opens.
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