021715   021724

Many of my pictures are yards of snow
for example I got out my camera last week 
I’d noticed while driving around 
some beautiful snowblower cuts and
some ugly piles pushed up by plows.
My friend lives in California where
the front yards are desert landscapes
white stones circle Pygmy trees and leathery shrubs
here the snowblower carves a perfectly flat wall
straight along the driveway and up to the front porch. 
I know a house where the snowblower carves out
both sidewalks and the street at the corner is cleaned.
I also took a picture of one house that reminded me of something odd
about an eight foot square around the telephone pole next to the driveway 
was completely dry.
When spring melts the piles that have been plowed up
mud and clumps of grass start showing but 
I guess you don’t care when the driveway has four cars and
no one has time anyway.
I have pictures of that too but not as many.

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Thousands on the third planet who were
long-established with families of their own
gathered at the water’s edge for the reveal.
As the local moon was covering the Star 
light became dark and warmth began to cool.
In a moment then and all at once
it sparkled into view. Inspired with joy
oohs and aahs swept through the crowd
an old couple held each other closely and danced.