Wintering bay fog
slithers between dwarf buckwheat,
frostbitten sage, shadowy dunes.

Smoldering wizardry curls like incantations
from freshwater mirrors,
chilled vernal ponds.

Ragged ducks panhandle scraps of dry bread,
then huddle and complain
in feathery clumps.

Groaning willows bunker officer geese,
sharpen tule blades
against icicle hearts.