fall chill

fall chill brings young wrens,
flicker, titmice out to play—
frantic adults gorge

* * *

The morning view from my kitchen window

They say it’s going to be
another hard winter
My mind races, remembering. . .

I want to be ready
Food, warmth
Charged batteries

Camping stove, fuel
Non-perishable (!) food
Ice chest, frozen artificial ice

My mind races down the list:
Is it complete, enough?
Doable?

Oh. I forgot the handrail
For the front porch
No need to tempt fate

Batteries, flashlights
Headlights, room lanterns
Everything so we’re safe, warm

So we won’t freeze or starve
Or have to call for help
What? Should that be on my list?

You know I like to be self-sufficient
Besides, others are needier than I am
I don’t want to make a fuss

I just want to be ready
Ready for what?
Ready to live

I don’t plan on dying.

* * *

Telling the Truth