The first major snowfall arrived late this year
Fallen branches and leaves
That have been thoughtfully stacked and spread
Along the edge of the woods to
Provide shelter and protection for feral creatures
During the long winter season
Are now covered and occupied
Beyond my imaginary Walden
Illness
Hunger
Fear
And ignorance
Form concentric circles around
Places that are
Red
Blue
Secular
Religious
Charitable
Uncharitable
And all descriptions among and between
People with knowledge of
Science
Medicine
Behavior
The role of place and situation
Are superseded by
People who believe in
The supernatural
Media viral memes
Ideologies rooted in hate and
supremacy
The first major snowstorm arrived late this year
While many are waiting for
Shelter and protection within a society
That prefers words to actions
I am reminded of an old carol: “Good King Wenceslas looked out…”