By Jill Bottom

Morning Chill

The house is cool. 
Overnight windows 
were open 
to pull in crisp air.
I pad into the kitchen
and wrap the soft wool
shawl close.
The sun is up now.
Windows closed, 
shades drawn
to spurn the day’s heat.
For now, I sip 
hot coffee, 
enjoy its warmth,
and that of the wool
before 
I venture 
onto the deck
into the heat, 
immerse myself 
in the delicious sun 
and let the wool 
slide from my shoulders.

---

Dusk

By Jill Bottom

I walk our trails
just before dusk
the air crisp,
a fresh scent of pine, 
birds singing.
My terrier sniffs 
the tall grasses ahead.
A spotted fawn bursts
from the brush
leaping feet from where I stand.
I startle, then turn my head 
and watch 
the graceful 
bounding leaps 
and wide white flag tail 
soaring into the cover of trees.