December

Like transparent pearls
strung
along dark branches,
the winter rain
clings
to bare limbs,
stark
denuded of leaves,
but dressed this morning
with tiny baubles
nature's own ornaments
temporary holiday hints
on a rainy day
out of season.

How I love winter now!
My own season,
dusk arriving
sometimes before dinner,
darkness
cozy around me
like extra bedding
in the morning -
evening
of my life.