November’s teeth

Meyer lemon
nestles against
the chimney
soaking up warmth
from last night’s fire
bright fruit ripens
in the late fall chill
in one windy afternoon
the weeping maple lost
all her flaming leaves—
even in California
a bastion of sunlight
ice coats the birdbath

it’s hard
to welcome frost
and warm-coat days
but resisting
is just plain silly
no control
cold comes
and goes as it will

open up this holding
this warding off
of what is
invite it close
befriend it
look deep
into its heart

2022 ©Amrita Skye Blaine
I’m writing a poem a day. These are drafts—not final versions.