From Cold Unblinking Eyes

FROM COLD UNBLINKING EYES

 FROM COLD UNBLINKING EYES

winter is primping

in the wings

beneath her booted feet

a troop of dillydallying leaves

caught in the wind scutter

like deserters down city streets.

some lie packed in ugly

pyramidic mounds that border

neighbourhood sidewalks,

dying soldiers waiting

for trucks to cart them away.

winter is blowing

into her hands.

from cold unblinking eyes

she handcombs wisps of

silver hair and

all around her we brace ourselves

in the tremble of season change.

we bury ourselves in defensive dress

for the tactless wave of her wand,

the colours with which

like a fickle lover

she dismisses fall.

Salvatore Buttaci