Breathless, under a pine canopy,
trail fore and aft,
a heart hammers,
breaking the rhythm of step – push – swish.
The pounding engine jump starts
a crimson stream,
pressing through this snowy day,
rousing unreasoned elation in reasoned years.
The wind quickened,
gently proposes the trees
slough their dazzled limbs.
Snow slide,
airborne,
avalanching,
frees crystals from bended bough.
A powdered ball disassembles as it falls — a million lucid gems
anoint an upturned face with
compelling serenity –
blood rushing to ice.