sleeping mother
I crawl beside her
to cure the ache

among charred remains
the chimney stands
sole survivor

snow on pink palm—
a lover’s embrace
beneath a blanket

soaking wet
our shoes squeak
while we wait for the door

my eyes scan
along the pages
an ant

calm air, dew sweet
an afterthought
of rain

wheels spinning
stuck
in nature’s grasp

expecting blood
I find no hurt.
Grandma?

snow on pink palm—
a lover’s embrace
beneath a blanket

lipstick face
lipstick hands
narrow corner facing the wall

in the car
there they wait
for the heat