So much of the day is now evening
a fine and quiet snow has calmed the ground
chalking the sky and erasing the farther hills
as it sifted straight down
to pile up on my shoulders
where I stood peaceful and sad
paying attention to my breathing
eight counts in and twelve counts out
thinking of an ancient teaching
that says if you feel depressed
you need to think about death more often
eight counts in and twelve counts out
breathing in this one place.
