Winter in the archipelago

outside it is
rain
on top of
snow.

walking, i
struggle to maintain
my footing.

inside,
it is an
age-d couple
in the morning.
bathing
in their inside
light.

slipping,
outside, i
look inside;
one of the pair
sits
in a morning chair.
the other,
lets fingernails
slip
along offered back.

outside,
it is rain
on top of snow.

outside,
it is
hard to maintain
footing.

inside,
it is a sharing,
unobtrusive,
kindness.
not intended for
my consumption.

outside,
eyes do not pry,
no,
they are accepting
like a lake.

a hook may be
thrown in,
yes,
a fish pulled
back out.

it is difficult to
maintain my footing
in all this
rain
on top of
snow.
i walk by
the morning house,
its morning bath
of warmth,
waiting
for joy to pass
through me.