The Condor in Winter

Scavengers wrap around the carcass
of a Patagonian Sea Lion.

Andean gulls form an aerial pinwheel
impatiently waiting.

The Humboldt current creates
smooth, parallel lines.

A single black smear detaches,
rises, surveys its domain.

The Pacific, evenly undulating.
This world, reduced to silence.

[RK, 1/24/21]

The Bed in Winter

The cloistered cell
and winter chill.

The primeval forest
held in thrall.

Harsh ravens melt
the months old snow.

The sheets and quilts,
your pinafore.

[RK, 1/24/21]